UNION TO INVESTIGATE PAK 'N SAVE'S
AFTER CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING

The National Distribution Union is launching an immediate investigation into Pak 'n Save's following the conviction of Pak 'n Save New Plymouth after four workers suffered dangerous levels of carbon monoxide poisoning.

The NDU represents New Zealand's supermarket workers.

Pak 'n Save New Plymouth was fined $25,000 earlier this week for failing to take all practicable steps to ensure the safety four employees who were sent to intensive care suffering carbon monoxide poisoning from an LPG forklift in a poorly ventilated area.

NDU Retail and Supermarket Secretary Maxine Gay says that union will launch an immediate investigation into the use of LPG forklifts and the areas they are used in at Pak ‘n Saves around the country.

"The National Distribution Union has fought hard to maintain high safety standards in our supermarkets for workers and customers and we don't take breeches lightly," she said.

"The high levels of carbon monoxide found in the workers were close to levels that can cause unconsciousness and even lead to death. The paltry reparations of $1,000 to the victims seems like a sick joke."

Ms Gay said that carbon monoxide poisoning isn’t a common health and safety problem for supermarket workers, but is one of the most fatal.

“Companies can only guarantee worker’s health and safety by providing good ventilation, 10 minute breaks every hour to allow staff to get fresh air and by using electric forklifts where ever possible. If companies have heavy workloads that are unable to be done by electric forklifts, they should purchase LPG forklifts over diesel forklifts.”

Ms Gay says that any Pak 'n Save staff members with general concerns about health and safety at their workplace should contact the union call free on "0800 GET NDU".

Any staff suffering headaches, nausea and dizziness should alert their workplace health and safety rep or manager immediately.

ENDS

CONTACT

NDU Retail and Supermarket Secretary Maxine Gaye is available for contact on 021 975 580

NDU Media Liason Simon Oosterman is available for contact on 021 922 551