Exclusive Video Captures Toxic Cement Dust Scare at Port Adelaide Construction Site
Exclusive video footage has emerged showing a frightening toxic scare involving workers at a construction site in Port Adelaide, with tradies heard coughing and spluttering while completely shrouded in a thick cloud of cement dust. The dramatic footage captures a sudden blast erupting at the worksite on Friday, as a dense cloud of cement powder rapidly swallows the area within mere seconds.
Workers Engulfed in Toxic Dust Cloud
In the video, a worker can be heard desperately calling out, "where are you?" as he is engulfed by the dust, coughing uncontrollably and barely able to see through the toxic cloud. The CFMEU has stated that the worker was shrouded in highly toxic silica dust and may have even been exposed to carbon monoxide, raising serious health concerns.
Travis Hera-Singh from the CFMEU told 7NEWS, "There are no safe levels of exposure to silica. It appears that people weren't wearing or weren't provided adequate personal protective equipment (PPE)."
Health Risks and Union Warnings
Dr. Lloyd Dadd from Adelaide University echoed these concerns, saying, "If I was exposed to that, I'd be concerned about the level of exposure." The union reports that a pipeline fault triggered Friday's incident, putting dozens of workers at significant risk.
Hera-Singh added, "Potential 44 people were exposed in this one incident. Workers were offered the opportunity to go home, but it would have been without pay."
Company Response and Safety Investigation
In response, Hallard Group has told 7NEWS that it followed all proper safety protocols, stating the work area was immediately evacuated and SafeWorkSA was called in to investigate. The company issued a statement claiming the "incident presents a low health risk, with the cement containing less than 0.5 per cent respirable silica."
However, SafeWorkSA has placed restrictions on the site until it is deemed safe, highlighting ongoing safety assessments. This incident underscores critical issues in construction safety and worker protection in hazardous environments.
