Orica, a major chemical company, has been subjected to a hefty fine of $1.2 million for cobalt dust releases that endangered the lives of workers in Newcastle. The court proceedings were initiated by SafeWork New South Wales in 2021 following incidents where two workers were exposed to cobalt dust at the company's Kooragang Island plant, particularly in the cobalt shed where cobalt-oxide catalyst and cerium-doped cobalt catalyst were produced.
During the court hearing earlier this year, Orica pleaded guilty to failing to fulfill its obligations under the Work Health and Safety Act. The exposure to cobalt dust led to health issues for one of the affected workers, David Calvert, who developed occupational asthma as a result of working in the cobalt shed since 2011. As a consequence of the dust exposure, Mr. Calvert had to be reassigned to a different role within the company. Judge David Russell SC acknowledged that the poor working conditions in the cobalt shed directly contributed to Mr. Calvert's ill health, emphasizing the serious risks faced by workers in such environments.
Moreover, the court case also highlighted the situation of another worker, Andrew Linstrom, who was working as a plant operator in the cobalt shed from 2017. The court was made aware that Orica had been aware of deficiencies in the ventilation system of the shed as far back as 2014, resulting in dust not being adequately controlled. Judge Russell pointed out that Orica had prior knowledge of the risks associated with the lack of precautions in the cobalt shed that could lead to severe injuries or fatalities. Orica's inadequate respiratory protection protocols were also criticized, with masks reportedly not being fitted properly, further exposing workers to risks.