Worker and Colleagues Supported after Coolstore Incident

26 July 2011

Worker and Colleagues Supported after Coolstore Incident

A coolstore worker employed by Auckland Pack & Cool Ltd. (APAC) in Alfriston was taken to Middlemore Hospital on Tuesday evening after collapsing while at work.

Managing Director Jan Benes confirmed that the worker was in a critical condition, but was being supported by colleagues and family. “Our immediate priority is to support the individual involved, his family and friends, and our other employees - and that’s what we’re focusing on,” said Mr Benes.

Mr Benes said the affected worker entered a coolstore shortly after 5.00pm with a colleague to conduct a routine task, and both were wearing breathing apparatus. “One of the men collapsed and his colleague pulled him from the coolstore then proceeded to conduct CPR, with support from other staff members, until Fire Service then Ambulance Officers arrived and took over.”

“We’re very lucky to have an excellent team of workers here at APAC, who really look out for one another, and I’m hugely grateful for their quick actions. Obviously this incident has been quite distressing, and we’re providing counseling support for affected staff members.

Mr Benes said the company was working closely with Police and the Department of Labour to investigate the cause of the incident. “It really is too early to say what’s happened but we’re gathering information and working closely with the relevant authorities to conduct a full investigation. We have also taken the proactive measure of temporarily shutting down the site to assist with the investigation.”

“This is the first incident of this nature to happen at one of our packhouses – we have an extremely good safety record and a great team of skilled workers – and we’re obviously very concerned for the worker involved and will do what we can to provide support.”

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