5 Injured in Toxic Chemical Spill at Refinery

Five workers have been injured and two have been rushed to hospital after a toxic spill broke out at the Pinjarra Alcoa Refinery south of Perth, Australia, local news reported.

Emergency services arrived at the alumina site in Oakley at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, after reports that a number of workers had suffered chemical burns.

A man believed to be in his 30s and a man in his 60s were raced to a nearby hospital, where they received medical treatment for non life-threatening injuries. They were in stable condition around 6 p.m. in the evening.

Three other workers were also injured but did not require hospitalization.

Acting WorkSafe commissioner Sally North said Alcoa has been told to secure the scene on the incident until inspectors arrived.

An Alcoa spokesman said the company’s thoughts and focus was with its injured corkers and their families.

“The company is working with authorities and a full investigation will be undertaken,” he said.

On Wednesday, the company said one hospitalized worker had been released while the other was due to leave later that day.

“Any type of injury at work is unacceptable. We are working with relevant authorities to investigate the incident, understand the causes and contributing factors, and implement any corrective actions,” the spokesman said.

The refinery mines bauxite ore.

This is the third chemical spill for the Alcoa Refinery within nine years, after three workers suffered burns under similar circumstances in December 2021, the news reported.