Yarwun refinery contractor remains in hospital following his fall from scaffolding

“The incident is being shared across the Rio Tinto group with safety-stops being conducted at other Gladstone sites to ensure we can learn from this incident.”

Rio Tinto have provided an update on the Yarwun refinery contractor who fell from scaffolding into caustic chemical last week.

Working at heights and scaffold erection has been suspended at the Yarwun refinery near Gladstone as Rio Tinto investigates the circumstances surrounding a serious workplace fall that left a man with significant injuries.

A UGL Engineering Services contractor suffered a fractured femur and ankle, as well as burns to a significant amount of his body, after he fell a reported 9m and came into contact with a caustic chemical at the refinery on July 20.

Caustic soda is used in the refining of bauxite to produce alumina and, in turn, aluminium. The scene reportedly had to be decontaminated.

The 30-year-old man was airlifted to Sunshine Coast University Hospital that evening, where the Sunshine Coast Health and Hospital Service confirmed Wednesday he remained in a stable condition.

Rio Tinto media relations representative Matt Chambers said the workers' welfare was Rio Tinto’s primary concern, and they were working with his employer and family to assist.

“Our primary focus is the health and safety of everyone who works at or visits our Yarwun site,” Mr Chambers said.

“An investigation is ongoing.

“The incident is being shared across the Rio Tinto group with safety-stops being conducted at other Gladstone sites to ensure we can learn from this incident.”

Mr Chambers said the area where the incident occurred remained closed pending the outcome of Rio Tinto’s investigations.

“Working at heights and scaffold erection at Yarwun work has been suspended until further notice,” he said.

Mr Chambers said Rio Tinto would not comment as to whether the contractor would be compensated.

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland inspectors are also probing the incident.

A Cimic Group representative last week declined to comment on behalf UGL Engineering Services for which the contractor reportedly worked.