Construction workers at the Nyngan Solar Plant have been asked to remove deadly venomous snakes from the site and are expected to work in 45 degree heat, according to the union representing them.
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The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) have talked to workers at the site who say they are concerned by the fact there is only one snake handler covering the 250 hectare site and no anti-venom kits on site.
CFMEU organiser Dave Kelly said the situation wasn't good enough and is potentially endangering the lives of workers.
"Talking to staff there are a number of concerns with snakes, heat and also the availability of water and shade on the site," Mr Kelly said.
"It's not good enough and we strongly believe something has to be done."
According to Mr Kelly, one worker was told to catch and remove a snake from the site.
"Not only is it just plain stupid, it is also life threatening. The workers need anti-venom kits with them at all times and the training on how to deal with snakes and use the anti-venom," he said.
"There are allegedly 50 anti-venom kits but the workers don't know where they are and talking to them, they haven't had any training on how to use them if required."
The union also claims workers are angry over being asked to work in temperatures in excess of 45 degrees, which goes against health and safety laws. They are demanding a heat policy be put in place and the construction of areas where workers can get out of the heat.
Mr Kelly said contractors First Solar had been unwilling to provide the union with any documentation relating to workers claims and the CFMEU is now considering going to higher authorities to protect workers rights.
"In a meeting with First Solar they have declined to give us any particulars so our legal team is looking at what our next move is," he said,
"We've demanded a full election of a safety committee to draw up a safety policy with management.
"We will also be coming back over the next month to have proper workers rights meetings."
There are also concerns over the wages being paid to some labourers on site.
The CFMEU claims an average casual labourer is being paid as little as $25 an hour. He hinted that this, along with conditions had led to a high turnover of workers.
"Up to 400 workers have already been churned through this site but the current workers have said enough is enough and are taking a stand on basic conditions and rights to work," Mr Kelly said.
"You have workers who are coming from all over Australia and working for an extremely low rate of pay. No one can convince me that $25 is acceptable for a casual wage.
"This is a $300 million dollar project that is owned by AGL and has funding and involvement from the state and federal governments. It's not acceptable."
Mr Kelly said there were also concerns not enough was being done to source and retain local employees for the job.
Plant owners AGL referred the Daily Liberal to employee contractors First Solar, who could not be reached for comment before deadline.
