Mining company fined over worker injury

The South Hedland Magistrates Court has ordered a mining company to pay $125,000 after a maintenance worker was struck by a metal shard on the neck more than four years ago.

The company was fined after pleading guilty to failing to maintain a safe workplace following the incident in September 2017.

The court heard that on the day of the incident, the contractor was replacing a slew ring bearing between an excavator's superstructure and undercarriage and replacing the track chains. The excavator's left-hand track became misaligned while its undercarriage was being moved onto the replacement track chains. A metal shard fractured and struck the contactor as the track train was propelled forward.

The worker suffered a lacerated artery and was treated at the scene before being flown to the Royal Perth Hospital.

Mines Safety Director at the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety Andrew Chaplyn said the incident was a reminder that mining companies need to make safety a priority.

Read the full story on the DMIRS website.