Attn: WorkSafe Investigator

Health Services Union WA represents administration, technical and allied health employees working across the healthcare sector in Western Australia. We write on behalf of Union members currently employed at St John of God Midland Public Hospital who work in the multidisciplinary office located on Level 4 and who are signatory’s to this letter.

Employees working in this office have repeatedly raised concerns regarding air quality and the presence of fumes. We understand that investigations and air quality testing have been undertaken and that the testing period has concluded. However, given the ongoing reports from affected employees, we remain concerned that a safe working environment is not currently being provided and that adequate consultation has not occurred throughout this process.

The issue is causing significant psychological distress for affected employees and is also having a physical impact. Reported symptoms include sinus irritation, persistent sore throat, fatigue, headaches, migraines, a metallic taste in the mouth, and a peppery or stinging sensation in the mouth, nose and throat. Incident reports relating to poor air quality and fumes in this office space have been lodged through MEX and RiskMan dating back to at least 18 March 2024.

We acknowledge that St John of God Health Care engaged an independent company, Aircomtech, to conduct indoor air quality testing over a 14-day period within the office space. We understand this testing assessed carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds. The report is attached for your review.

St John of God Health Care’s position is that no positive readings or alarms were detected. However, the Aircomtech report states that volatile organic compounds reached peak values of 499 across multiple monitoring days, resulting in an “unhealthy” grading band. The report further states: “The repeated elevated events warrant further investigation using targeted or laboratory-based VOC sampling capable of identifying and quantifying specific compounds.” Despite the testing undertaken to date, employees continue to report the smell of fumes and ongoing physical symptoms.

Affected employees are also concerned that the air quality testing may not accurately reflect ordinary working conditions due to the timing of the testing and reported changes in ventilation at the time, including increased airflow and cooler temperatures from the air vents. Employees are genuinely concerned about the potential for long-term health effects if the source of the fumes and air quality issues is not properly identified and addressed.

Under Western Australian work health and safety legislation, including the Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WA), St John of God Health Care has a primary duty of care under section 19 to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers. Sections 47, 48 and 49 of the Act also require a person conducting a business or undertaking to consult, so far as is reasonably practicable, with workers who are, or are likely to be, directly affected by matters relating to work health or safety. In our view, consultation must be genuine, meaningful and allow affected employees an appropriate opportunity to raise concerns and provide input.

In light of the ongoing concerns and symptoms reported by employees, we respectfully request that WorkSafe urgently consider taking the following actions:

• Investigate alternative ways to determine the cause of the problem which may include but not limited to engaging an Occupational Hygenist.
• Require St John of God Health Care to conduct further comprehensive air quality testing, including targeted or laboratory-based VOC sampling capable of identifying and quantifying specific compounds;
• Ensure health and welfare checks are undertaken for all affected employees;
• Arrange for an independent review of the Aircomtech testing already conducted;
• Ensure appropriate consultation occurs with affected employees in accordance with the Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WA); and
• Attend St John of God Midland Public Hospital to conduct any further investigation WorkSafe considers appropriate.

This correspondence is sent by Health Services Union WA on behalf of the undersigned members.