Union attacks Alcoa over WA bushfire

A union has accused mining giant Alcoa of putting the lives of employees at risk by pushing them to return to work at the height of the deadly bushfires in Western Australia's South West region.

The Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union says almost 100 non-essential personnel were driven to the Wagerup Refinery, just four kilometres from the destroyed town of Yarloop, last Friday despite burning embers lining the road and heavy smoke filling the air.

"Alcoa has deceived and pressured these workers into risking their lives, all in the name of keeping the refinery operational," AMWU state secretary Steve McCartney said.

"They have shown no regard for their safety and welfare and it was only by pure luck that 100 lives weren't lost as a result."

But Alcoa has rejected claims that the safety and well-being of workers was compromised.

Chief operating officer Simon Butterworth said a crisis management centre was established at Alcoa's Pinjarra office and a senior staff member was stationed in Waroona to liaise with fire authorities on a 24-hour basis.

"All transportation of employees to and from the refinery on Thursday and Friday was undertaken only after permission was granted by the authorities, and buses taking workers in and out were escorted by Department of Fire and Emergency personnel," he said.

"The refinery did not operate as normal. Production was significantly reduced and only the staff required to ensure minimum safe operating conditions remained in the refinery."

Mr Butterworth said operations at the Wagerup refinery had been restored and personnel at the plant continued to undertake repairs and fire clean-up.

Production at the Willowdale bauxite mine has resumed in a limited capacity, he added.

Meanwhile, firefighters have almost completely contained the deadly bushfire more than a week after it was sparked by lightning.

The fire destroyed 181 properties, including 162 houses.

It has burnt more than 71,300 hectares and now has a perimeter of more than 320 kilometres.

Yarloop remains closed amid fears of an asbestos risk.

Lengthy tests to determine the risk of asbestos have not yet been carried out, but the levels are expected to be low and no higher than at previous bushfire wreckages, WA Health's deputy chief health officer Andrew Robertson told 6PR radio.