The Western Australian Occupational Safety Control Dog has taken enforcement action against a U.S.-owned lithium facility in the southwestern part of the state.
Key points:
- WorkSafe says Albemarle must install security barriers by July 15th
- Albemarle has previously stated that security is a top priority for the company
- A manufacturers’ union has previously stated that Albemarle treats security “arrogantly”
The Department of Mining, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) said it had issued an improvement notice to Albemarle regarding safety issues at a lithium plant in Kemerton, about 150 miles south of Perth. .
The notice obliges Albemarle to install barriers that guarantee the safety of workers who carry out work adjacent to the plant that is being put into operation.
The facility is being built and operated simultaneously.
A workplace safety investigation is underway that began in early April after multiple complaints from workers and union officials.
WorkSafe’s investigation is ongoing, with the department still evaluating other security issues.
Albemarle would not be appreciated if he adhered to the specific notice of improvement, but he did reiterate that safety was the company’s top priority.
The refinery is in operation and simultaneous construction, and is almost complete. (Supplied by: Albemarle)
“Albemarle provides a safe work environment for a highly trained workforce in the use of the equipment and the behaviors needed to keep operations safe,” the company said in a statement.
“From the beginning of construction, today and in the future, we continue to work with the authorities in the management of our site, to ensure the safest environment for our workforce.”
Security issues raised above
The WA Manufacturing Workers’ Union of WA (AMWU WA) has previously raised safety concerns about the facility, describing it as a “21st century facility with a 19th century occupational safety culture” .
The union has raised several security concerns. (ABC South West: Jacqueline Lynch)
The AMWU WA said several workers had been hospitalized as a precaution in early April, following exposure to toxic gases that leaked through ventilation.
Union Secretary of State Steve McCartney said pre-workplace issues included malfunctioning chemical showers and aluminum scaffolding stored next to a corrosive substance.
He said an outbreak of COVID-19 at the facility in January had been handled with poor communication.
Find more local news
Posted 6 hours 6 hours ago Friday, June 3, 2022 at 8:03 AM, updated 4 hours ago, 4 hours ago, Friday, June 3, 2022 at 10:46 AM