Woodside Energy confirms there was a fatality at Beaumont Clean Ammonia project

HOUSTON (ICIS)–Woodside Energy has confirmed that it experienced an incident on 3 October at the Beaumont Clean Ammonia site in Texas, which resulted in the death of an employee of one of fertilizer producer OCI’s construction contractors.

In a statement, Woodside said that the incident occurred at approximately 8:30 am US central time at the Texas facility it recently acquired with construction efforts being managed by OCI.

The company did not provide further details of the event other than to say the incident occurred during work activity being carried out at the site. It added that no one else was harmed.

Woodside said that senior management was headed to the ammonia site and that a full investigation will be initiated.

Currently a stand down of all work at the site is now in place.

“This is a very sad day, and I offer my deepest sympathy to our colleague’s family, friends and workmates. The safety of our workforce is always our top priority, and we are providing full support to OCI and its contracting company,” said Meg O’Neill Woodside Energy CEO.

“We are taking steps to understand the circumstances around this tragic event and are working closely with relevant authorities and regulators, OCI and the contractor company.”

For its part, OCI responded by saying: “This is an incredibly sad time for OCI, and we extend our deepest condolences to our colleague’s family, friends, and co-workers.

“The safety and well-being of our employees and contractor employees are of paramount importance to us. Both Woodside and OCI remain committed to providing a safe working environment and will take all necessary measures to prevent such tragedies in the future. We are fully cooperating with local authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident.”

(recasts, amending OCI quote in final paragraph)