Nelson port workers deaths examined

Five of the stricken workers have now passed away and their widows want the link of their exposure to the timber fumigant methyl bromide to be thoroughly examined.

OSH service manager Brian Statford says although “no association” has to date been demonstrated between the two events, the inquiry would be “keeping an open mind”.

“It may be a statistical blip or it could be that there is another substance responsible, ” he says. “At this point we can think of nothing else, but when we look over their work histories then something might stand out.”

Methyl bromide is understood to be used in greater quantities at other ports in New Zealand than Nelson.

Port Nelson chief executive Martin Byrne says he is supportive of any work being done to study its effects. “Port Nelson itself doesn’t fumigate – there are contractors which fumigate around the country for the timber exporters – but, because they are on our land, we are part of a group that agrees on a protocol, ” he says.

“Obviously, if there is any established link between methyl bromide use and motor neurone disease – which is completely contrary to what has been established previously – the whole issue of fumigation in New Zealand would have to be revisited.”