Backpacker injured after falling into sodium hydroxide solution at Thomas Foods International abattoir Sheep carcasses in a processing room at the Murray Bridge abattoir. ONE of South Australia's leading food companies is under investigation after a backpacker was seriously injured when he plunged into chemicals while cleaning equipment. The 23 year-old suffered serious burns after he fell into sodium hydroxide solution while cleaning equipment at Thomas Foods International's (TFI) meatworks in Murray Bridge. SafeWork SA has launched an investigation to establish whether "safe systems of work are in place" at the abattoir. TFI is Australia's largest family-owned agribusiness and has a turnover of more than $1.5 billion a year. Its operations are headed by chief executive Darren Thomas, a member of the state's Economic Development Board and include the Murray Bridge and Lobethal abattoirs. It also has "processing and distribution" plants in New South Wales, Queensland, the Northern Territory and the United States. The worker, believed to be on a working holiday from Taiwan, was flown by emergency helicopter flight to the Royal Adelaide Hospital, where he remains in a stable condition. It is understood he has suffered serious injuries. The incident is thought to have occurred just after 6pm last Wednesday, when he entered the 12sqm room that contained "hook cleaning" machinery. The hooks are cleaned in sodium hydroxide solution that contains water and caustic soda, which is then heated to almost boiling point. When one of the machines seized up, it is believed he reached over and fell into the solution. The worker, who was on a 457 visa, was then pulled to safety by frantic co-workers. He was rushed to Murray Bridge Hospital before he was flown 75km to Adelaide. Following inquiries from The Advertiser today, a Safework SA spokeswoman said investigations were ongoing. She said: "SafeWork SA has been notified of a workplace incident at Thomas Foods International at Murray Bridge on 6 November 2013 in which a worker sustained injuries after coming into contact with sodium hydroxide solution. SafeWork SA is investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, with a view to ensuring that safe systems of work are in place. As the investigation is ongoing, no other details can be released at this time. Mr Thomas, who was last year charged by Premier Jay Weatherill to "rebrand" the state was not available for comment. But in a statement David McKay, the company's director of operations said officials were helping SafeWork inspectors with their inquiry. "Late last week an industrial accident took place at our Murray Bridge processing facility," he said. We are currently providing assistance to SafeWork inspectors who are investigating the matter. The worker concerned is undergoing treatment at the Royal Adelaide Hospital. He and his family are receiving full personal and financial support from the company. He added: "The safety and wellbeing of our entire 2500-strong workforce is the upmost priority to Thomas Foods International and we maintain the highest workplace safety practices. Pre-employment checks are also undertaken on all new workers to ensure they meet the necessary eligibility requirements for employment.