Neil Rankin

91 Khandallah Road

Kiah NSW 2551

Phone 0428 961 957

 

31 October 2011

 

The Editor

The Magnet Newspaper

Imlay Street

Eden, NSW 2551

 

Dear Madam

 

SEFE Workers as Guinea Pigs

 

It could only happen to Eden - a world first! Wind turbines right inside an open workplace and people working underneath.

 

Yes, farmers work below wind turbines, but only briefly to herd their sheep etc. SEFE workers would be exposed for a full shift over a 24 hour period whenever the turbines were working.

 

Wind turbines mean work hazards for SEFE employees

These OH&S hazards include:

• Shadow flicker which can cause nausea and vertigo and trigger epilepsy.
• Superfine soil and woodchip dusts (respirable particulates) stirred up by the turbine blades can lodge deep in the lungs causing serious health problems.
• Documented evidence of birds (including Sea Eagles) hitting the blades causing blades to shatter and huge pieces to fly through the air and fall to the ground - in this case, within an active workplace.
• High level generation of electro-magnetic radiation. There is a lot of scientific debate on this contentious issue. Compared to this, the risk of brain tumour from excessive mobile phone use is nothing.
• Constant, repetitive, pulsating, low frequency noise from turbines can cause great mental stress, nervousness and mood change. It can also restrict important communications.

 

The Epuron spin doctors would have you believe that it's all OK, but can you take such a serious risk?

 

It is about time that the unions got their heads out of the sand to look after the workers that they are meant to protect. I challenge the unions to better inform their workmates about these risks and to have a secret ballot to find out how the workers feel about worksite risks which haven't existed before. I don't want to know the result and I don't want it advertised. I want the unions to get an appreciation of the workers' honest, unforced views. I want you to look after my mates below.

 

I have rallied in support of the chipmill ever since it started, but now I have doubts. How dare SEFE, after all these years of loyalty from the people of Eden, even think about allowing Epuron to come onto their site to deface our beautiful bay with seven white scarecrows. You are now splitting the town in two and dividing your work force and friends as well. This is a clear case of shooting yourself in the foot.

 

An action group "Help Save Twofold Bay" has been set up. SEFE workers welcome. Contact Neil Rankin.

 

Neil Rankin

Eden