WA mining company receives fine after employee sustains severe injuries on the job

An underground mining services company has been fined by the Perth Magistrates Court following an incident in which a drill operator suffered spinal and leg injuries while operating heavy machinery.

The company entered a guilty plea to two counts under the Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WA) for inflicting serious harm on a worker and endangering the lives and health of employees.

The company received a penalty of $750,000 and was instructed to cover $3,211 in expenses following the incident in January 2023.

WorkSafe Commissioner Sally North said the incident could have been prevented by the company if it had adhered to the correct procedures.

“Isolation and tagging safe work procedures are in place to protect workers and must be followed to reduce risk and prevent injury,” Ms North said.

“Management and supervisors must ensure workers handling hazardous energy and machinery are properly trained, instructed and supervised.”

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