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- Release Date: 27/05/14 16:12
- Summary: GENERAL: FBU: Fletcher Building responds to WorkSafe investigation
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FBU
27/05/2014 14:12
GENERAL
REL: 1412 HRS Fletcher Building Limited
GENERAL: FBU: Fletcher Building responds to WorkSafe investigation
Fletcher Building responds to WorkSafe investigation into Canterbury Home
Repair Programme
Auckland, 27 May 2014 - Fletcher Building Limited ("Fletcher Building")
wishes to issue the following statement in response to the WorkSafe New
Zealand ("WorkSafe") investigation involving the Canterbury Home Repair
Programme.
The Canterbury Home Repair Programme ("CHRP") involves the repair of
properties where the damage falls between $15,000 and $100,000. Fletcher
Earthquake Recovery, a business unit of Fletcher Building, is project
managing independent building contractors as agent for the Earthquake
Commission.
WorkSafe has applied to the District Court in Christchurch for an extension
of time to complete its investigation, which concerns the process by which
houses containing asbestos have been repaired under the CHRP. Fletcher
Building notes that no charges have been laid by WorkSafe.
Asbestos containing materials were used widely in homes and other buildings
throughout New Zealand between 1940 and 1990. Tens of thousands of houses
across New Zealand still contain asbestos.
Fletcher Building states that the asbestos hazard in houses repaired under
the CHRP has been managed responsibly and effectively. Fletcher Building has
engaged with WorkSafe since the commencement of the home repair programme
regarding processes for handling all hazards including asbestos.
The risk of asbestos exposure during the repair process was identified early
in the CHRP, and independent contractors were required to arrange testing for
all houses assessed as potentially containing asbestos. Where asbestos was
found to be present, contractors were directed to undertake repairs in
accordance with the New Zealand asbestos regulations.
Further enhancements have been made to both the testing and repair practices
as the repair programme has progressed, along with educational initiatives to
upgrade the general state of knowledge of asbestos in the Canterbury home
repair sector.
Fletcher Building remains fully committed to maintaining healthy and safe
environments for residents, employees, contractors, and all others involved
in its work.
ENDS
For further information contact:
Philip King
Group General Manager,
Investor Relations & Capital Markets
Phone: + 64 9 525 9043
Mobile: + 64 27 444 0203
End CA:00250918 For:FBU Type:GENERAL Time:2014-05-27 14:12:54
