Alcoa fights charge after chemical burn

Aluminium giant Alcoa is fighting an allegation it failed to provide a safe working environment after an employee suffered chemical burns in an incident at one of its West Australian refineries.

The process operator sustained serious burns to his left eye and lower body when a caustic solution spilled on him while he undertook routine tasks at the Pinjarra facility in March 2014.

The US-headquartered company pleaded not guilty in the Perth Magistrates Court on Monday and will return to the same court on September 27.