Authorities and salmon farmers inspected the ports of Puerto Chacabuco to coordinate safety and logistics protocols in case of possible emergencies due to El Niño.
Representatives from Fiordo Austral, SalmonChile A.G., the regional directors of Labour and the Environment and the Labour Directorate carried out a visit to the port facilities of Oxxean and Emporcha in Puerto Chacabuco, with the purpose of reviewing on-site the labour implications of a potential mass salmon mortality discharge and anticipate coordination needs.
The activity, coordinated by SalmonChile A.G., allowed to learn about the different stages of these operations and analyze the challenges that could arise in an emergency, with special attention to safety and working conditions of the workers.
The visit responded to a need identified by the Interministerial Committee for Environmental Contingencies (CIICA), which has met preventively for several months in response to announcements about the El Niño phenomenon and the risk of environmental episodes associated with warmer conditions. This preparation considers possible effects that go beyond salmon farming and may affect the entire marine and terrestrial ecosystems. from the region.
The territorial representative of SalmonChile in Aysén, Fernando Camiruaga, highlighted the value of this coordination. "We are concerned about the possible environmental impacts of El Niño, whose effects can extend to the entire ecosystem and the communities that depend on it. That is why we value that authorities and companies work together from the prevention, incorporating the care of workers as a priority in the preparation for these" "contingencias", aseguró.
In turn, the regional minister of Labour, Sebastián Solís, highlighted the importance of understanding the processes and reviewing the procedures applicable to these activities. "As a government it is important that we can anticipate and work cohesively with the private sector so that we can have a concrete action plan. That is why we have learned the process from the extraction of mortality, mobilization and processing" industrial. We were also with the Labour Directorate because in these operations there are associated work risks, therefore we must clearly know the existing regulations and their applicability, and what the procedures are that govern this type of work," he said.
From Fiordo Austral, its production manager Pedro Chávez referred to the company's capabilities to respond to high demand scenarios. "For Fiordo Austral, preparation does not start when an emergency occurs. It is the result of a permanent effort of planning, investment and training, aimed at ensuring the organization has the necessary capabilities to support the industry in times of high pressure." requirement. The experience accumulated by our teams, added to the available infrastructure at Graneros Plant, constitutes a key element in providing a quick and responsible response when conditions require it," he stated.
The tour allowed sharing technical and work-related information and strengthening the dialogue between public institutions and companies, advancing in a joint preparation that contributes to protecting workers and facilitating an timely response in case of an emergency.
