Alcoa updates on chemical spill

One of the five people exposed to a caustic chemical spill at Alcoa’s Pinjarra refinery has been released from hospital, while three workers were back on site.

Two people were taken to hospital after a caustic exposure incident at the mining giant’s alumina refinery last night.

Alcoa of Australia confirmed five people were near where the incident occurred.

The two people transported to hospital remained there overnight, while the three others were assessed at Alcoa’s onsite medical centre and were fit to return to work today, Alcoa told Business News.

An Alcoa spokesperson said the company had been in contact with the two people who were transported to hospital.

"We are pleased that one person has been released from hospital this morning and the other is expected to be released later today,” the spokesperson said.

“Our first priority is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all personnel.

“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 safety of everyone who works at or visits our facilities is our highest priority.

“We always seek to improve the strength and reliability of safety controls across our operations.”

The Alcoa spokesperson said the chemical spill occurred in an area of the refinery where planned maintenance was being carried out.

According to Alcoa, the spill was isolated to that area and posed no risk to other people, parts of the refinery, or the surrounding environment.

WorkSafe also confirmed its inspectors were on site this morning.