During the afternoon of August 25th, a chemical spill occurred at the Perdue Farms plant in Washington, IN.  According to news reports, a forklift carrying a pallet of chemicals (unspecified) overturned, resulting in dispersal of liquid.

Contingency planning and drills resulted in an orderly evacuation of 350 workers without incident. Designated and trained plant response personnel with appropriate equipment were activated to respond to the incident. Approximately eight workers complained of shortness of breath and headaches and were evaluated on site or in a medical facility and were released.

The plant resumed operations within two hours.

This episode demonstrates the benefit of planning for a possible accident, incident or severe weather event.  It is anticipated that after an investigation, appropriate corrective action will be taken to avoid a reoccurrence.