Barwon Prison gas leak: Sick officers seek compensation

Sick workers are seeking compensation as Barwon Prisons suspected gas leak continues to plague the high security Olearia unit.

The prison’s Olearia ward was shut down over gas leak concerns, with at least 25 prisoners relocated to Western Plains Prison. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

Two corrections officers from Barwon prison remain too sick to work and are pursuing compensation weeks after a yet-to-be identified suspected gas leak forced the high security prison to evacuate.

It comes as officials continue efforts to find and fix the suspected leak five weeks after workers in the prison’s Olearia unit began to report symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, with paramedics and specialist paramedics called to the scene on multiple occasions across early April.

Community and Public Sector Union claims two workers remain ill from the suspected leak. Picture: Supplied.

At least 25 inmates have since been moved from the unit to the newly built Western Plains Prison months ahead of its scheduled opening.

A spokesman from the Community and Public Sector Union confirmed “A number of our members were impacted by the leak in early April, and we are pursuing their rights through work cover”.

Asked about the condition of impacted officers, the spokesman said “we have a couple who are very sick, and have not been back to work since.

“Carbon monoxide poisoning can take some time to show its impacts on affected individuals, so we are urging all members working at the facility to remain vigilant and present to a medical professional immediately if they feel ill,” he added.

It’s understood that five separate work cover claims have since been filed by officers with insurer Allianz.

A spokesperson for the Department of Justice said an independent investigation into the possible gas leak was underway and the findings would be shared with staff.

“Corrections Victoria is continuing to monitor and review the situation, with temporary arrangements put in place to ensure the safety of staff and prisoners.”

“Western Plains will become an ongoing part of the corrections system from July, and prisoners will be returned to Barwon Prison when it is safe to do so.”

Noting that “repeated gas leaks have put prison officers and inmates in serious danger”, Opposition corrections spokesman David Southwick said on Friday that “Labor’s inaction is putting lives at risk”.

“This is precisely why a no-confidence motion was passed against Corrections Victoria’s leadership,” he said.

It comes after corrections workers passed a resounding vote of no confidence against commissioner Larissa Strong on May 1, with the union stating at the time that the vote sent “a loud and undeniable message: prison workers will not accept unsafe workplaces, collapsing morale, and poor leadership”.

Originally published as Barwon Prison gas leak: Sick officers seek compensation