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Alden Williams / Stuff
The leaders of the Gloriavale Christian community have been accused of forcing some members to work more than 20 hours a day.
WorkSafe is dispatching inspectors to the Gloriavale Christian community to investigate claims that some members were forced to work more than 20 hours a day.
Newshub reported Thursday that two community members had spoken about incredibly long working hours, demanded by “control” community leaders known as “pastors.”
“Sometimes you can go two whole days and get some sleep, but then you are expected to go straight back to work,” said one.
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A WorkSafe spokesperson said inspectors would visit the community, in Haupiri, on the west coast, to find out what work was being done and the risks involved.
“This includes the risks associated with fatigue and well-being. It will also involve requests for relevant documentation and talking to volunteer workers and / or contractors. “
WorkSafe had not been notified of the claims prior to Thursday, the spokesperson said. The visit was not an investigation, but a “proactive evaluation”.
WorkSafe staff also visited Gloriavale on Monday after a report in July that a member cleaning a silo was full of fumes.
“The inspector … spoke about WEPR (worker engagement, participation and representation), contractor management, training, emergency response and critical hazards on site.
“Improvements in machine protection were identified and discussed, and verbal direction was given to implement these improvements.”
