Safety fears after workers locked out of Ixom chemical plant
INSPECTORS have been called in over safety fears at a chemical plant.
Southern Courier
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THERE are safety fears at a chemical plant after the workforce was locked out in an industrial dispute.
SafeWork NSW was called to inspect the Ixom facility in Dennison Street, Hillsdale, following claims it is potentially putting the public at risk.
This afternoon a SafeWork NSW spokesman said they had found no “work health and safety issues”.
Plant employees belonging to the Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) were locked out of the facility on Friday after they announced their intention to strike.
The union said workers had offered to safely bring the plant offline before the walk-out.
However, when they arrived on Friday workers found themselves locked out and the plant still running.
Ixom provides chemical sodium hypochlorite to companies including Sydney Water.
Numerous potentially deadly chemicals are used at the plant.
AWU National Secretary Daniel Walton said he was “highly concerned” about safety.
“We were stunned when Ixom took this action,” he said. “We didn’t think they would be crazy enough to lock out such a highly-trained and experienced workforce. The stakes are just too high.
“These are potentially deadly and catastrophic chemicals, being manufactured near homes and schools, and we now have no idea who’s been thrown behind the wheel.”
The union contacted SafeWork NSW and inspectors have been at the plant today.
Union members also staged a protest this morning outside the facility.
Maroubra state Labour MP Michael Daley was at the protest to lend his support to workers.
“There are potentially very dangerous chemicals being produced at this site and we have no idea who is performing the work,” he said.
“Some of these locked out workers have been on the job for almost 30 years and they know safety back to front — they are the experts.”
The union claims Ixom is attempting to slash wages by 30 per cent.
An Ixom spokeswoman denied this, claiming the company had offered employees a “preservation of their current conditions”.
On Monday the company also announced a “restructure” but would not say how many jobs were at risk.
An Ixom spokeswoman said there were no safety concerns and the plant would continue its operations.
“Existing site management will remain on-site to ensure the continuity and quality of supply and uphold the safety standards that both Ixom and the community demands,” she said.
“The remaining workforce will be complemented by our own fully qualified and highly trained personnel who will continue to operate the site safely and professionally.”
She said the company had acted in response to an indefinite strike undertaken by employees under the EBA process.
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