The Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) has voiced serious concerns following an incident at Glencore’s copper smelter in Mount Isa, which left two workers in critical condition.
“Tough questions need to be asked about how an incident like this has occurred,” stated AWU Queensland secretary Stacey Schinnerl, expressing deep concern over the incident.
According to reports, the contract workers were at the Mount Isa Mines copper smelter when a steam vent opened adjacent to where they were working. The incident, which unfolded on Thursday, resulted in severe injuries to the workers.
ABC News reported that a 26-year-old man sustained burns covering 60% of his body from the neck down, necessitating induced coma and assisted breathing. The second worker, aged 25, suffered burns to 50% of his face and neck.
Both injured workers were initially transported to Mount Isa Base Hospital and later airlifted by the Royal Flying Doctor Service to the burns unit at the Royal Brisbane Hospital.
Glencore has reportedly suspended operations at Mt Isa and an investigation is under way.