Trained workers save factory from fire

July 11, 2006

Media Release

Trained workers save factory from fire

The heroic actions of workers who saved a North Canterbury wood processing plant from fire demonstrate the vital role of workplace health and safety, says the workers’ union.

Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union national secretary Andrew Little said that the union was proud of the quick action and cool heads of the workers who put out a sawdust fire following an explosion at the Carter Holt Harvey medium density fibreboard plant at Sefton on Saturday morning before it spread to the rest of the factory.

“It was a dangerous situation, but there is a very strong workplace health and safety system working at that plant, and the workers knew what to do,” he said.

“They swung into action, and prevented what could have been a disaster for the workers, the North Canterbury community and the company.

“The handful of employers and lobbyists who rail against the requirements of the Health and Safety in Employment Act should take note; without the actions of these workers, the human and financial cost could have been huge.”

ENDS

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