Orica Consults After Workers Fume

Chemical producer Orica has been forced to clean up its safety policies, after a nitric acid leak at its Gladstone construction site prompted 300 workers to walk out.

Management conceded the need to fix its communication following safety incidents during a meeting with site delegates and the occupational health and safety committee.

AMWU organiser Terry Grieve said there were six incidents within two months where workers were taken to hospital, yet management had kept workers in the dark over details.

"Some were taken to hospital for minor wounds, but others were in situation where they had to stay overnight for observation," Grieve said.

The issue came to a head last week when dozens of workers being exposed to toxic fumes from nitric acid because of a lack of warning proceedures.

Workers voted to down tools, while union representatives, the occupational health and safety committee and contractors met with Orica management.

Grieve said other issues included inadequate training for use of safety equipment and that there was no rescue crew on site.

He said the meeting with Orica management had been productive and that they had promised to resolve most issues.

"Delegates will have weekly meetings with management and will report back to the workforce after those meetings about safety issues," Grieve said.

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Last modified: Thursday, 17-Nov-2005 14:23:09 EST