Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
The incident happened inside a self-contained chemical processing container in Bromley, Christchurch.
The organisation behind the incident was Rolleston-based Pest Control Research (PCR), which makes pest control products, including 1080 baits.
WorkSafe says from 2018 to 2019, the group was experiencing supply issues with 1080 (scientifically known as sodium fluoroacetate) - and set up a project to manufacture its own supply of the poison.
The project was code named the Home Brew Project / Project X .
WorkSafe head of specialist interventions Dr Catherine Gardner said: Health and safety requirements were not met from the very start of this project and cumulatively design, fabrication and process errors ultimately resulted in workers being exposed to highly toxic vapour from a failure in the manufacturing process and in PCR s overall safety management systems.
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Pest Control Research facing charges over poisoning which hospitalised worker
9 Feb, 2021 12:57 AM
2 minutes to read
WorkSafe investigation after chemical poisoning in Christchurch
A pest control company has been charged after a worker was poisoned at a Christchurch factory.
In May 2019, a Pest Control Research worker was processing chemicals when he came into contact with a poisonous substance.
The worker was hospitalised after the exposure.
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WorkSafe has filed charges against the company under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.
Court documents show that Pest Control Research Ltd Partnership is facing six charges including exposing an individual to risk of harm or illness, and failing to have an emergency response plan.
WorkSafe has filed charges against PCR, but the regulator could not immediately specify exactly what had been laid under the Health and Safety at Work Act and regulations around hazardous substances. Court documents show six charges have been laid, including exposing an individual to risk of harm or illness, failing to have an emergency response plan, and failing to ensure a location site plan was in place. The rest of the charges related to testing failures, safety data, and compliance certification. At the time of the incident, PCR chief executive Matthew O Brien said the worker had been processing chemicals that were going to be delivered to its main office in Rolleston, near Christchurch.