GRADER DRIVERS’ RISK

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23353, 19 November 1937, Page 5

GRADER DRIVERS’ RISK

CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING PROBLEM FOR COUNTY COUNCIL iPer United Press Association) WHANGAREI, Nov. 18. The question of the poisoning of grader drivers by carbon monoxide fumes arising from the exhaust of theii machines was discussed by the County Council to-day. when it was stated that the opinion of counsel for the Counties’ Association had been sought on several points involved. It was reported that the senior grader driver had handed in his resignation stating, together with his medical adviser, that he vas subject to fainting fits, sornotimes an hour in duration, caused by monoxide poisoning. The main point the county wants cleared up is “in the case of the power grader driver being physically incapacitated for any length of time as the result of injurious affection arising from his employment, is the council liable for compensation?” The council also sought opinions in regard to the general effect of carbon monoxide poisoning, the length of time the poison was likely injuriously to affect a driver, the necessity for spelling the driver, and finally whether there was any remedy apart from the man relinquishing his job. The machines, it was stated, were of standard design. Drivers claimed that the effects of the fumes were felt worse in cutting roads enclosed by bush.