Mining company fined over worker injury

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. This case underscores why robust safety management remains essential across mining operations nationwide.

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

How the Incident Occurred

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, alongside 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 contractor as the track train was propelled forward. The worker suffered a lacerated artery and was treated at the scene before being flown to Royal Perth Hospital.

Safety Management Failures Highlighted by the Court

This mining company fined over worker injury case highlights significant gaps in safety management systems within heavy equipment maintenance procedures. Effective safety management requires companies to identify hazards before workers are exposed to unnecessary risk.

Mines Safety Director at Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety, Andrew Chaplyn, said the incident served as a reminder that mining companies need to prioritise safety and health of personnel on site.

Strong safety management practices should include:

• Comprehensive risk assessments before heavy equipment maintenance begins
• Clear isolation procedures for machinery undergoing repair
• Regular safety management reviews of maintenance protocols
• Documented health and safety training for contractors working on mobile plant

Why Safety Management Matters for Mining Operations

Incidents like this demonstrate why consistent safety management is non-negotiable within mining operations. A single lapse in safety management during equipment maintenance can result in permanent spinal injury, lacerations, or worse for workers involved.

Companies operating heavy machinery must integrate safety management into every stage of maintenance work, from planning through to execution. Without disciplined safety management, contractors remain exposed to preventable hazards, as seen in this case where a worker was injured during routine track chain replacement.

For businesses reviewing their own protocols, comparing outcomes with other enforcement actions can be valuable. Read about a similar case where a WA mining company was fined following a worker's conveyor-related injuries, or how a New Zealand forestry company was fined over a worker's arm injury.

Strengthening Safety Management Systems

Organisations seeking to avoid similar penalties should review their worker contractor manuals and ensure documentation reflects current safety management expectations set by regulators.

Businesses managing vehicle fleets and mobile plant should also consider a dedicated company vehicle policy to formalise safety management responsibilities across all equipment operations.

This case also parallels other enforcement outcomes, including a Sydney transport company fined over a work injury, reinforcing that safety management failures carry consequences across every industry sector, not solely mining.

Read the full story on the DMIRS website.