Affco in court over infected Whanganui employee

Affco's Imlay meatworks is under fire for allegedly causing the serious illness of a Whanganui employee. Photo / File

Affco New Zealand is in the firing line after a Whanganui employee allegedly became seriously ill after cleaning up spilled offal.

Brian Wright was working in the rendering department at Affco's Imlay meat processing plant in Whanganui in June 2015 when he cleaned up the offal.

Wright became seriously ill and required surgery to replace a heart valve.

WorkSafe New Zealand has filed a case against the meat company for a breach of health and safety regulations.

It says Affco failed to take all practicable steps to ensure Wright was not exposed to hazards arising out of work with raw materials in the rendering plant. The prosecution is under the Health and Safety in Employment Act.

Affco denies the claims.

In a pre-trial hearing in August last year, it was disputed whether WorkSafe had filed a charge in time.

Affco filed an application that the case be dismissed under these grounds. However, in December, Judge Tony Couch rejected Affco's application and the matter will now proceed to trial.

In his judgment, Couch said Wright "became infected while cleaning up spilled offal at the plant".

"As a result, Mr Wright became seriously ill and required surgery to replace a damaged heart valve."

A video conference with all parties will take place today to consider pre-trial applications made by Affco. A trial date is yet to be confirmed.