Note: This site looks much better on an standard compliant browser, however, the site content is accessible with any device connected to the Internet.
Go directly to the page content.
This web site was designed in accordance with
international norms on accesibility for persons with disabilities.
Last Update: July 16, 2008
Cambiar a Versión en Español
- Paper Pulp Mills - Uruguay
- Corporate Accountability and Human Rights
- Climate Change and Human Rights
Intoxication of Workers Reported from Uruguayan Pulp Mill
August 14, 2007 – Fray Bentos Uruguay . Reports from emergency centers in Fray Bentos Uruguay suggest that more than 30 workers at the Botnia Pulp Mill have been intoxicated, and an unreported number hospitalized, following exposure to a cloud of sodium sulphate emanating from cellulose heating caldrons on the Botnia site. A string of accidents resulting in serious injury and death question Botnia's commitment to human safety.
Jorge Pereira , a union representative of the affected workers on the site stated, “the odor [yesterday] w as unbearable”. Workers involved directly in the manipulation of the chemicals were properly attired and not affected, however, other workers nearby had no protection whatsoever, and collapsed from the circulating chemicals in the air. Botnia communication staff offered a rather surprising and what local media is labeling, “a naïve response”: “nothing would have happened if the wind hadn't picked up!” Medical reports from the hospital where most of the victims are being treated indicated that at least two individuals have been interned and their health condition is delicate.
Nearly 5 kilometers away, on the international bridge where a permanent road block is in effect since November of last year by local community stakeholders opposed to the investment, several persons indicated that winds brought the stench across international waters and strongly affected breathing, vision and caused skin irritation. These are precisely the types of impacts local residents in the beachfront community of Gualeguaychú say will scare off tourists.
While Botnia is not yet operational, testing of caldrons and systems are already underway, and have generated strong reactions from local communities who are unanimously opposed to the multi-billion dollar investment.
Jorge Ibanchuk, representative of a local Uruguayan workers union, SUNCA, accused Botnia executives of proceeding at all cost and under a rushed itinerary, in order to commence production as soon as possible, lowering safety standards, and placing workers at great risk. The string of accidents happening at Botnia are testimony to this. The accusations fuel local community opponents of the mill that claim Botnia and the IFC (of the World Bank Group), which co-finances the mill, always presented a project as a fait accomplit , and never intended engaging local stakeholders in discussions over mill design, or siting questions.
Ibanchuk cited numerous worker complaints regarding safety conditions at the Botnia site, resulting at least on two occasions, of worker stoppages, for 17 and 22 days, respectively.
Local community opponents to the mill hearing the news have already commented that their fears of Botnia's irreversible damage are only beginning. This accident is not the first serious accident at Botnia. In April one worker died smashed by a construction platform. Another had an arm partially amputated due to another on the job accident resulting from safety oversights. Concerned community representatives are saying, “if this is occurring before the mill goes into operation, what can we expect from 1 million tons a year of highly risky cellulose production?”
Local residents are discussing action options in reaction to the incidents, and to the growing fears and confirmation that Botnia is not what it claims to be , and that in fact, contamination, accidents, foul stench, and even death will come from the pulp mills. Assembly members are considering a full road blockage of ALL major routes in the MERCOSUR region, effectively blocking traffic for all cross border travelers on MERCOSUR's artery roads. They have also requested that the Argentine Government press the Finnish government, a strong Botnia backer, to provide answers.
Two days ago, rumors of terrorist threats against the Botnia mill drew strong reaction from top level Uruguayan government staff.
For More Information
Tel: (+54) 9 116 729 5466
