Mining company receives fine for endangering employees with silica dust

A Victorian mining company was recently found guilty and ordered to pay a fine of $400,000 for failing to provide adequate protection for workers from crystalline silica dust.

The company was convicted in the Wonthaggi Magistrates' Court for admitting to two counts of not providing or maintaining safe work equipment or systems.

A verdict was reached against the company, resulting in a fine of $200,000 for each count, and a further obligation to bear the expenses amounting to $20,799.

WorkSafe Executive Director of Health and Safety Sam Jenkin stated that it was unacceptable to endanger workers for an extended period of time.

"The risks associated with crystalline silica were well known and the company was also aware of the available measures to better protect their workers," Mr Jenkin said.

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