Union still holds safety concerns at Hobart zinc works site, hopeful new owners will invest in ageing plant

The union representing workers at the Hobart zinc works has raised a series of safety concerns at the site and is hopeful the new owners will take action.

The Nystar zinc works site. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE

MORE than a dozen safety issues raised last year in relation to the Hobart zinc works site continue to be of concern, says the union’s state organiser.

It was announced on Thursday that Hobart zinc works owner Nyrstar has been taken over by major shareholder Trafigura.

Trafigura is on a much stronger financial footing than the struggling Nyrstar, with about $US53.8 billion in assets across commodities trading and production.

Australian Workers’ Union state organiser Kevin Midson said he spent most of Thursday at the Hobart plant and that workers were hopeful the new owners would invest in the site and “make life easier for them”.

Last year, the union wrote to WorkSafe Tasmania about 15 safety issues including claims of unstable flooring and an under-maintained flue system in one area.

Mr Midson said on Friday that he had told the company he would be writing to them about these issues soon.

“The vast majority have had either some Band-Aid solution applied or nothing at all,” he said.

“Things like roofing iron flapping in the breeze and people have to working in parts of the factory with rain and wind coming in.

“We had a young guy back in February have about a metre of walkway completely fall from beneath him. He managed to grab onto the rail and swing himself up. It was about an eight metre drop below, so it would have meant serious injury or death [if he’d fallen]. Chemicals wear away at the walkways.”

Mr Midson said much of the workforce had been at the plant for 20 years or more and “didn't know any other way”.

“I go to so many workplaces as a union official and no other workplace would accept or think to accept the things they accept,” he said.

Mr Midson said on the positive side there appeared to be moves from management to shift some casual staff across to permanent positions.

A spokeswoman on Thursday said Nyrstar Hobart was always focused on “the safe and efficient production of zinc” and the company looked forward to a “bright and sustainable future in which we can continue to contribute to the Tasmanian economy and our community”.