Inpex is currently under scrutiny after an alarming incident involving possible exposure to sulphur dioxide at its Ichthys gas facility in Darwin, which has left one worker hospitalized.
The Northern Territory's workplace safety regulator has launched an investigation following concerns raised by Caleb Burke, an organizer with the Australian Workers' Union NT. He reported that a contractor working for Altrad may have encountered the harmful gas while performing tasks near the facility’s acid gas incinerators on January 12. The worker experienced a strong odor followed by symptoms such as a dry and itchy throat, along with a persistent cough just minutes later.
On January 14, this individual consulted the site medic because their condition had deteriorated and was subsequently transferred to Palmerston Regional Hospital. There, they were diagnosed with reactive airways disease, a respiratory condition akin to asthma, according to Mr. Burke. This highlights a significant health risk since prolonged exposure to sulphur dioxide is known to be associated with serious respiratory problems and potential lung damage.
NT WorkSafe confirmed that they began their inquiry into the matter upon receiving a report of the hospitalized worker on January 15 and are continuing their investigation. Mr. Burke emphasized that any incident involving a worker being hospitalized due to exposure to hazardous substances at a facility classified as major should be viewed as extremely serious. By law, Inpex is obligated to inform the appropriate authorities about such occurrences.
However, during a recent meeting with Inpex executives in Perth, Burke indicated that the company suggested the incident did not need to be reported since the worker did not receive medical treatment within a 48-hour timeframe following the exposure. In response to this, Mr. Burke asserted, "Immediate treatment as an inpatient in a hospital, for any duration, requires notification." He further remarked that the public expects the highest safety standards from major hazardous facilities rather than debating technicalities surrounding reporting protocols.
Additionally, during a site visit to Inpex's Ichthys facility last Thursday, Mr. Burke heard from numerous other workers who voiced similar concerns regarding potential exposure to sulphur dioxide while working near the acid gas incinerator. They alleged that their worries were dismissed by management. "Workers told me that when they expressed their concerns to Altrad HSE personnel, they were reportedly told they were 'jumping on the bandwagon,'" he said, adding that if true, such a response is wholly unacceptable.
This situation becomes even more troubling considering that last year, he had already pointed out issues related to the site's reporting culture, where employees felt apprehensive about voicing their concerns.
Currently, Inpex is facing separate investigations from both federal and NT governments concerning an oil spill that occurred in October, which contaminated Darwin Harbour, alongside significant under-reporting of toxic emissions. Recently, employees at Inpex have come forward with additional worries about pollution exposure on-site, incidents of burns from hot oil, and a toxic work environment where their fears are routinely disregarded.
Moreover, there have been reports indicating that the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Agency is investigating potential mercury poisoning at an offshore facility along the Northern Territory coast.
What do you think about the handling of these safety concerns? Are companies like Inpex truly prioritizing the well-being of their workers, or are they more focused on avoiding accountability? Share your thoughts below!
