Company fined after workers poisoned

A struggling Picton seafood processing company has been fined $20,000 after a forklift was left running, its fumes poisoning six workers.

The Nelson Ranger Fishing Company was also ordered to pay each worker $250 reparation, the Marlborough Express reported.

Department of Labour lawyer Greg La Hood told Blenheim District Court the workers were taken to Wairau Hospital suffering nausea, headaches and dizziness after the forklift was left idling in a closed coolstore for 20 minutes on March 12.

While they all recovered fully, Mr La Hood said the consequences could have been much worse.

He said the fact an employee had been responsible for the poisoning did not absolve the company which had an obligation to protect workers and suggested a fine of $46,000 plus reparations.

Defence lawyer David Clark said the company boasted a good safety record and planned to purchase new forklifts.

He said the processing industry was in dire straits and a heavy fine could cripple the company.

- NZPA