Notice of Change in Members of Committee to
Investigate Accident at Iwakuni-Ohtake Works
April 26, 2012
Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.
On April 22 (2:15am), a tragic explosion and fire occurred at Mitsui Chemicals' Iwakuni-Ohtake Works claiming the life of one employee and injuring persons from the local community and Works employees.
Mitsui Chemicals extends heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of the deceased and sincerest apologies to the injured, residents of the local community, persons affected by this tragic event, our stakeholders, and all other concerned parties.
To investigate the accident to determine causes and to develop measures to prevent future recurrences, the Company formed an [Accident Investigation Committee] on April 24. For more objective and transparent activities, the Company decided to apply changes so that the committee comprises solely of members of the academia and external specialists. The committee may bring in additional new members from the academia and external specialists as the investigation proceeds and as deemed necessary.
The authorities are currently conducting an official investigation as to the causes of the accident. Mitsui Chemicals will fully cooperate with the Accident Investigation Committee and investigative authorities.
1. Establishment
April 24, 2012
2. Reason for establishment
To determine causes of the accident, develop necessary safety measures to prevent recurrence, and submit proposals to the Company.
3. Members (after change)
Committee Members
| Dr. Terushige Ogawa | Emeritus Professor, Yokohama National University Executive Director, Research Institute for Safety Engineering |
| Dr. Kazuhiko Suzuki | Professor, Okayama University Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology |
| Mr. Jun Nakamura | Director, Research Institute for Safety Engineering |
| Dr. Masayoshi Nakamura | Professor, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, The Graduate School of Technology Management |
Committee Observers
| Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry |
| Disaster Prevention & Crisis Management Division, General Affairs Department, Yamaguchi Prefecture |
| District Fire Fighters, Iwakuni Fire Department |
| High Pressure Gas Safety Institute of Japan |
Attachment
Notice of Change in Members of Committee to Investigate Accident at Iwakuni-Ohtake Works (PDF:36KB)
