Six people have needed medical treatment after being exposed to potentially acid dust at a Western Australian lithium processing plant.
Key points:
- Six workers exposed to potentially acid dust need medical attention
- It happens because the company is already under investigation for occupational safety
- The company says more controls have been put in place in the event of a future event
The incident happened on Thursday at the Albemarle lithium hydroxide plant near Bunbury, which is undergoing ongoing WorkSafe investigation into other workplace-related issues.
The exposure was the result of dust from an incorrect chemical mixture escaping through ventilation at the site 150 miles south of Perth.
The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) said the dust was carried by the wind, causing eye and respiratory irritation in six workers.
A worker was left with a rash on his face.
The facility is majority owned by the American chemical company Albemarle.
“Six contractors visited the site’s medical center for first aid treatment before being released,” the company said in a statement.
“An internal review has been performed and there are more controls and mitigations for any future events.
“Dust does not harm the environment or the community.”
Part of the lithium plant is under construction, while another part is operational. (Supplied by Albermarle)
Casual security approach: union
AMWU WA Secretary of State Steve McCartney urged the facility to take a more proactive approach to security.
“It simply came to our notice then [safety] seriously, “McCartney said.
“I can imagine [the workers’] families at home saying, “I hope my husband’s company does a better job of safety in the future, because I don’t want to see him in the back of an ambulance.”
“We’re trying to give the company a wake-up call to make sure they offer a secure job in the future and just think about these things before worrying about profits.”
McCartney said that if workers had not previously raised their concerns about the lack of chemical eye wash stations, things could have been worse.
“If these guys didn’t have the courage to get up first, then people would be wondering where to wash their eyes.”
The latest incident left six contractors in need of medical attention. (ABC South West: Georgia Loney)
Installation already notified
The Department of Mining, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) launched a WorkSafe investigation at the Albemarle site in early April after being alerted to multiple safety issues.
One incident resulted in several workers being hospitalized as a precaution after being exposed to toxic gases.
The facility is being built and operated simultaneously, which means there is a mix of construction workers and chemists on site.
Last week, WorkSafe issued an improvement notice to Albemarle, forcing the company to install safety barriers between the operation and construction sections.
Albemarle has until July 15 to comply with the notice.
WorkSafe’s investigation is ongoing, with the department still evaluating other security issues.