Another Paper Mill Accident Claims a Life

SAVANNAH, GA—For the second time in as many weeks, a paper mill accident has claimed the life of a worker.

Ricky Salter, 58, a maintenance worker at the International Paper plant here, was killed Sunday afternoon during an accident in the mill's paper roll handling area, WJCL-TV reported. Firefighters and emergency crews arrived at the scene around 2:30 p.m., and Salter was pronounced dead.

Savannah-Chatham Metro Police and International Paper are currently investigating the accident, and the company said that it will provide grief counseling to its employees.

"Ricky was a valued and respected member of our Savannah team and was an employee at our mill for more than two years," International Paper said through a statement. "We are deeply saddened by the death of our team member and friend. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Ricky’s family and friends."

On Aug. 25, 35-year-old Brant Munster, a contract worker with Somatex Crane, died at a NewPage mill in Rumford, ME, after falling 28 feet from a crane.