WestConnex tradies walk off job over extreme levels of mould
Hundreds of WestConnex tradies have downed tools for a second day after extreme levels of mould were found in the tunnel, posing a “probable health risks to all persons”, according to a site report.
NSW
Don't miss out on the headlines from NSW. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Hundreds of WestConnex tradies have downed tools for a second day after extreme levels of mould were found in the tunnel.
A report by Mycolab released on Monday found there was “extreme contamination” of surface mould and “extremely high” levels of airborne fungal spores which posed a “probable health risks to all persons” working in the tunnel.
The mould found on the surface has the ability to causes diseases to those with weakened immune systems, damaged lungs or with allergies.
It recommended carrying out more tests to identify if mould that produces a toxin which produces cancer is in the air.
The Electrical Trade Union said the management are still calling on the more than 300 tradies to get back to work and is calling the protest “illegal industrial action”.
It is the fourth time since July the ETU has called for strikes on the $17 billion project.
On February 7 they stopped work after a power generator stopped working and a water pipe burst.
The day before they stopped work after sewerage from a portable toilet leaked into the toilet.
In July, the tradies walked off the job over concerns the emergency evacuation system was faulty.
They claimed in lights and sirens couldn’t be heard from some parts of the tunnel and the administration had decided to turn off the lights to alert workers to evacuate.
In that situation they would have to use a headlamp to find the exit.