Workers in asbestos scare

Worried Omni-Pac workers attended an emergency meeting on Sunday

Workers from a Norfolk factory where blue asbestos has been found have been warned by their union of the "grave risk" to their health.

Hundreds of people who have worked at the Omni-Pac factory in Great Yarmouth are to be tested for asbestos-related diseases.

About 80 workers turned up to a union meeting on Sunday after experts from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said they were concerned that staff could have been exposed to asbestos fibres.

The plant, which makes egg cartons, is one of the town's biggest employers.

The factory in South Denes was closed on 27 October when the HSE was alerted to a possible problem with asbestos.

Inspectors found blue asbestos in lagging materials had been disturbed, making it more of a risk to health.

The meeting is to advise workers of the grave risks that are faced by coming into contact with asbestos Union spokesman Tony Gould

Transport and General Workers' Unions spokesman Tony Gould, who organised Sunday's meeting, said the mood among workers was one of anxiety and concern.

Many, he said, had worked at the factory for a long time.

"The meeting is to advise the members of the union and other workers there of the grave risks that are faced by coming into contact with asbestos.

"It is role the union to let them know about how they might fare in the future and what we can do to help," he said.

Those considered to be most at risk had worked closely with the lagging material, he said.

"Ordinary workers in the plant won't be so much at risk unless the material has begun to deteriorate," he said.

Factory closed 'immediately'

Occupational health specialists North Sea Medical Centre in Gorleston are checking the health of all the factory's current 200 workers.

A special helpline has been set up for worried staff.

Omni-Pac spokesman Peter Lewis said as soon as the company suspected there could be a problem with asbestos, it took immediate action and closed the factory.

Mr Lewis said the health and safety of their workers was of paramount importance.

The workforce is being paid until the end of next week when talks will continue.