OC spray incidents should be ‘wake up call’ in protecting workers from chemical assault says union
The NT Government has been labelled ‘irresponsible’ by the United Workers Union after Darwin security guards were subjected to two alleged pepper spray assaults in recent weeks.
After security guards in a Darwin nightclub faced another alleged brawl involving pepper spray for the second time this month since the spray has been rolled out in the NT, union leaders are questioning whether adequate worker protections are in place.
Since September 1, Territorians have been able to purchase Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) spray canisters from select firearms retailers across the Northern Territory for self-defence purposes.
It is part of a 12-month trial launched by the NT Government.
However, in the past two weeks, NT Police has reported two incidents in which security guards were allegedly sprayed - once with legally purchased spray and another time with illegally obtained spray.
On Sunday at 4am, a 26-year-old woman was arrested by police after she allegedly sprayed a legally-obtained can inside Mayberry nightclub in Darwin before a security guard stepped in.
The weekend before at the same venue, a 16-year-old allegedly sprayed two bouncers with an “illegal” type of pepper spray after being denied entry.
The incidents have raised concerns with the United Workers Union, which argues workers are being left “vulnerable” in their jobs and need stronger protections.
OC spray incidents should be ‘wake up call’ in protecting workers
United Workers Union NT secretary, Erina Early, said the security guards involved in the two recent incidents were “very fortunate” not to be harmed.
“This incident is a wake up call,” she said.
“No worker should be left vulnerable to chemical assault while simply doing their job.
“Unions call on employers and the CLP government to implement clear protocols for responding to OC gas incidents, provide access to decontamination resources and ensure all staff are trained in emergency response.
“The safety workers must be the top priority.”
Without stronger protections, training and protective equipment, Ms Early said the lives and health of security personnel, paramedics, nurses, police and hospitality staff were at risk.
Calling the NT Government “irresponsible” for introducing the spray without better preparing public facing workers, Ms Early urged them to work with unions and employers to better equip, support and protect workers in the future.
When contacted to comment on the issue, NT Government said it was not the OC trial that should be questioned, but the behaviour of the people involved.
“The trial itself has run without broader issue, and NT Police have consistently applied the Criminal Code’s self-defence framework without exception,” an NT Government spokeswoman said.
“Any complaint or evidence is investigated, just as it would be for any alleged assault or weapons offence.”
They questioned Ms Early’s motives saying she was “silent” when Labor held office and did not question measures on reducing crime and restoring community safety at the time.
“Union members should be asking why their leadership only finds its voice now, and why there were no calls for accountability then,” the NT Government spokeswoman added.
NT Government directed any queries regarding training or educational material towards NT Police.
However, NT Police do not provide decontamination training to the general public.
Reacting to Sunday’s alleged assault, Hospitality NT praised the security staff for their quick intervention and NT Police for their “swift” response.
“This sends a clear and unequivocal message that the misuse of any item as a weapon in a licensed venue will not be tolerated and will be met with the full force of the law,” a spokeswoman said.
“The fact that the item was legally purchased does not absolve an individual of the responsibility to use it lawfully, and this incident demonstrates a clear breach of that responsibility.”
While not commenting on training, they said night-time incidents such as assaults and break-ins had “exploded” in Darwin’s CBD.
“Hospitality NT calls on the NT Government and City of Darwin to once again work together and restore patrols to the CBD after 8pm,” they added.
NT Police: ‘OC spray must not be used inside a licensed premises’
Up until Friday, September 23, 1123 individuals bought in total 1880 canisters of OC spray.
Of the 1880 cans bought, 26 were purchased by a total of 15 prohibited people.
These have all been retrieved.
Following Sunday’s incident, NT Police confirmed this was the first reported instance of a legally purchased canister being used in an alleged assault.
But a spokesman said officers were prepared for these possible incidents.
“The NTPF undergo specific training in relation to OC-Spray use and its effects, and are fully capable of responding to anyone who uses it illegally,” an NT Police spokesman said.
In relation to instances when pepper spray is obtained illegally – such as purchasers who have legal restrictions or have past offences – police said the Firearms Policy and Recording Unit carry out daily checks on people buying canisters.
Anyone who makes a false claim when buying it is committing an offence.
“Our message is simple,” said the NT Police spokesman.
“The use of OC spray is for self-defence only and its use must be reasonable in the circumstances.
“If you use the spray to unlawfully assault someone, you will be charged.
“OC-spray must not be used inside a licensed premises where alcohol may be consumed on premises.
“The use of OC spray in such premises is outside the exemption of the Weapons Control Act 2001.”
Major project final approval days away after pivotal Beetaloo gas deal signed
