Australia : Unions claim safety breaches at Viva refinery
Work Safe inspectors have visited Viva Energy's Corio Refinery following allegations of safety breaches at the plant.
The Geelong Trades Hall Council claims union safety officials were blocked from entering the
site earlier this week by security staff.
The union body says it is the second time in as many months its authorised safety representatives have had their entry to the plant obstructed.
It says after police turned up at the site unions were forced to call WorkSafe, which backed the right of the union to enter the plant on safety grounds.
However Viva Energy has disputed the claims, saying union officials were allowed right of entry, and police were called when they refused to leave after completing their inspection.
WorkSafe has confirmed its inspectors visited the refinery this week to investigate a number of alleged health and safety matters.
Unions say their safety representatives uncovered a number of breaches including blocked emergency exits, unacceptable electrical hazards and un-certified lifting equipment.
A spokesperson for Viva Energy has confirmed WorkSafe inspectors attended but did not require further follow-up actions.
Image: The Geelong Refinery [Viva Energy]
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