NLIS 3
November 30, 2004
(Government Services)
 

Occupational Health and Safety Branch findings consistent with consultant's report

Government Services Minister Dianne Whalen today announced that an assessment team from her department have concluded their investigation into the condition of the Harbour Breton fish processing plant.

The department has conducted a full and comprehensive assessment of the Harbour Breton facility and the findings are consistent with the external consultant's report done for Fishery Products International (FPI) earlier this month that found structural deficiencies.

Officials have identified several safety issues that require immediate attention. The Occupational Health and Safety Branch is issuing three stop-work orders and seven directives to FPI to resolve health and safety concerns. Any employees or maintenance staff working in the affected areas will have to be relocated until remedial measures have been taken.

It is recommended that all immediate concerns identified by Government Services officials be addressed as soon as possible. All relevant orders will be issued to FPI later today and copies will be provided to the joint occupational health and safety committee at the plant.

The assessment included a review of the consultant's report, as well as an on-site inspection of the facility's electrical systems, boiler pressure vessels and compliance with occupational health and safety requirements.

"We were able to quickly assemble a skilled assessment team of occupational health and safety inspectors, as well as electrical and boiler pressure vessel inspectors, to respond to the request to evaluate the consultant's report and conduct an assessment on the Harbour Breton facility," Minister Whalen said. "I have the greatest confidence in the competence and recommendations of my staff, and the resulting orders are to ensure the health and safety of the employees of the plant."

The opinion of occupational health and safety officials is that upon resolution of these identified health and safety concerns, the Harbour Breton facility can safely resume production activities. Required remedial measures include removing or reinforcing areas with structural weaknesses, and repairing leaks in the roof that could result in electrical hazards.

Media contact: Tracy Barron, Communications, (709) 729-4860 or 690-6157

2004 11 30                                   12:40 p.m.