Three injured in chemical incident at Cork pharma plant

It is understood injuries included skin blistering after being splashed with a chemical substance.

Janssen Sciences Ireland

Three people have been injured after being splashed with a chemical substance at a pharmaceutical plant in Ringaskiddy, Co Cork.

The incident happened at the Janssen Sciences Ireland plant on Friday evening.

It is understood injuries included skin blistering after being splashed with the chemical.

Emergency services including the National Ambulance Service, gardaí, and fire brigade units attended the scene.

Janssen confirmed that an incident took place around 5.15pm at the plant.

“Three individuals were treated at the scene by Janssen First Responders,” a company spokeswoman said.

“As per procedures, the emergency services were contacted. Two of the individuals were subsequently taken to Cork University Hospital (CUH) by ambulance.” 

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has been notified about the incident. 

The Authority's role is to promote work safety including the safe use of chemicals and products.

“The safety of those working on our site is paramount," the Janssen spokeswoman said.

It is understood the emergency services had left the site by 8pm.

A statement is expected from Janssen Sciences Ireland about the impact of the incident on their staff.

Janssen has operated in Cork since 2005, manufacturing treatments for a range of illnesses including Rheumatoid Arthritis, Crohn’s Disease, Psoriasis, and Multiple Myeloma.