A worker remains in hospital after being splashed in his eyes and face with chemicals yesterday.

The man, aged 45, was carrying out repairs to machinery at William Blythe’s in Church when the incident happened.

The man, a maintenance fitter, was wearing goggles but was splashed with Potassium Iodate, a caustic alkali.

He was given first aid at the scene and later taken to hospital.

Tim Hughes, managing director at William Blythe Limited, said a full investigation is under way following an incident at their base on Bridge Street on Friday, November 23 shortly after 9am.

He said: "An employee was undertaking a routine maintenance procedure in a chemical manufacturing area which produces derivatives of iodine. During the procedure there was a release of a small quantity of a chemical which splashed on to the skin of the employee.

"The chemical is classified as harmful. First aid was administered on site and as a precaution an ambulance was called to take him to Royal Blackburn Hospital. A full investigation is under way. The company will co-operate fully with outside agencies."

William Blythe is a manufacturer of specialised inorganic chemicals which are used in a wide variety of appliances from food and pharmaceuticals to electronics.

The 45-year-old, who was wearing protective clothing when the incident happened, is currently being held in hospital.

The chemical sprayed onto his face and his upper body.

A spokesperson from the North West Ambulance Service said: “We received a call 9.03am to attend a 45-year-old man who had a chemical solution in his eyes. The patient had tried to wash out the chemical himself, however as he was still suffering effects a 999 call was made. He was transported to Royal Blackburn Hospital for treatment.”

A spokesman for the Health and Safety Executive said: "HSE are making further enquiries into this incident."