Rubbermaid worker dies in accident

Spokeswoman: Investigation of fatal incident at city plant ongoing

By Alex Bridges -- abridges@nvdaily.com

WINCHESTER -- An employee at the Rubbermaid plant in the city died while at work Monday afternoon, a company spokeswoman confirmed.

Rubbermaid would not release the employee's identity, age or gender, Monday evening, citing an ongoing investigation, according to spokeswoman Jenn Schneider. The company has notified the employee's family, Schneider said by phone. Rubbermaid did issue a statement.

"We can confirm that an employee at our Winchester manufacturing facility has unfortunately passed away following an accident that occurred this afternoon," Schneider said. "Safety is our top priority and we are actively investigating the incident to understand exactly what happened. Our deepest sympathies go to the family during this incredibly difficult time."

The company would not release the victim's name "out of respects for the family," Schneider said. The spokeswoman indicated the company may release the victim's name in the future.

Rubbermaid would not release details about the incident or how the worker died. She did not have the time of the incident.

Winchester Fire and Rescue Department Chief Scott Cullers also would not release information about the investigation nor would he confirm the incident involved a fatality. Cullers responded only to call the incident "a serious industrial accident." Fire and rescue workers received the call at 4:27 p.m., according to dispatch.