Cement workers hurt in gas blast

Blue Circle Southern Cement has been charged over an explosion which left two workers with serious burns. WorkSafe prosecutor Nicole Fauvrelle told Geelong Magistrates’ Court the employees suffered injuries when they were trying to determine the cause of a blockage to a pre-heater at the plant.  Ms Fauvrelle said cement meal exploded out of a port hole the workers were not supposed to use to check blockages.  The explosion happened in July, 2003.  Two workers, believed to be aged in their 50s, were flown to the Alfred hospital from Geelong Hospital. 

Blue Circle Southern Cement faces six charges over the explosion, including two of failing to provide and maintain safe plant and systems of work, failing to maintain a safe workplace and failing to provide adequate facilities for the welfare of employees.  Two more charges relate to failing to provide instruction and training and failing to provide supervision.  Ms Fauvrelle said said WorkSafe alleged the employees had not been trained not to use the port which cause the accident.