Chemical Exposure Incidents Prompt WorkSafe WA Investigations into Albemarle and Alcoa

Western Australia's WorkSafe watchdog has initiated investigations into Albemarle and Alcoa following incidents of chemical exposure at their facilities in the state's South West. At Albemarle's lithium refinery in Kemerton, complaints from workers about throat and eye irritations led to 13 individuals seeking medical treatment for symptoms consistent with chemical exposure earlier this month. Alcoa also faced scrutiny after an employee at its Wagerup alumina refinery sustained caustic burns in a separate incident.

The Construction, Forestry, Mining, and Energy Union (CFMEU) has raised significant safety concerns regarding Albemarle's operations, citing at least 25 workers who believed they had been exposed to harmful chemicals across three incidents. Mick Buchan, the union's state secretary, emphasized the fundamental right of workers to a safe working environment, expressing apprehension over potential further injuries and critiquing the adequacy of the site's safety protocols.

Albemarle has responded by stating that all affected workers received medical assessments and treatment, with measures put in place to prevent future incidents as the company nears the completion of its investigation into the causes of these symptoms. Meanwhile, Alcoa confirmed that the worker involved in the recent incident received immediate care for minor burns and had been cleared to return to work, underscoring the company's commitment to identifying risks and enhancing safety controls.

These incidents are not isolated occurrences, with both companies having previously faced safety concerns. Two years ago, several workers at Albemarle's Kemerton site were hospitalized following potential exposure to harmful gas, leading to the implementation of additional safety measures. Alcoa, too, has been under WorkSafe's lens after a chemical spill at its Pinjarra refinery resulted in serious injuries to two employees three months ago.

Alcoa has reported a significant reduction in chemical contact incidents, noting a 40% decrease in 2023 compared to the previous year, as part of its ongoing efforts to improve workplace safety.