Both the AMWU and Safework have confirmed that investigations into the tragic DIC factory incident are ongoing, nearly two weeks on.    

Craig Tanner, a 42-year-old contractor from Engadine had been cleaning an ink vat when he and another man apparently were trapped by the moving blade. A third worker had gone to their aid and was also caught up in the vat.

The other men were rescued by emergency services in a complex operation lasting several hours and taken to Westmead Hospital with multiple leg injuries, while Tanner tragically passed away at the scene, despite the efforts of multiple emergency service personnel.  

[Related: Family man named as dead worker]

Safework says inspectors from its engineering team have inspected the mixer in an effort to determine the cause of the incident. A spokesperson says Safework has also issued a number of notices in relation to electrical safety and systems of work.

AMWU has also been conducting its own examination of the site. One of the men was reported to be a member with the union.

The Tanner family foundation, an online pledge fundraiser, was established to assist Tanner’s wife Rachel and their three children, aged 7 and under. As of today the page has raised $65,000, more than double that of its original goal of $30,000. It is still open to make donations, with printers from around the country having already contributed.

DIC (formerly known as Dainippon Ink & Chemicals) is one of the world’s biggest ink companies and is Australia’s largest ink supplier, its Auburn site is its main manufacturing plant in the country. 

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