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

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 health of employees. This case highlights how critical robust management of plant and equipment risks remains for mining operators across Western Australia.

Penalty and Case Summary

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

• Two guilty pleas entered under WA's Work Health and Safety Act 2020
• Serious harm and endangerment of employee health confirmed
• $750,000 penalty imposed by Perth Magistrates Court
• $3,211 ordered in additional costs

WorkSafe Commissioner's Response

WorkSafe Commissioner Sally North said the incident could have been prevented by the company had correct procedures been followed.

“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.”

Why Isolation Procedures Matter for Employee Safety

Proper isolation and tagging protocols form a core part of workplace safety systems in high-risk mining environments. When management fails to enforce these procedures with due care, employees face heightened exposure to preventable injuries.

Similar incidents have occurred elsewhere in the sector. A related case, detailed in our report on a WA drilling company penalised after an employee sustained severe injuries, reinforces the ongoing need for consistent safety oversight across mining and drilling operations.

Mining businesses seeking to strengthen their safety and health frameworks should prioritise:

• Documented isolation and tagging procedures reviewed regularly by management
• Comprehensive training for workers operating heavy machinery
• Ongoing supervision to ensure procedures are followed with care
• Clear reporting pathways for near-misses and hazards

For guidance on structuring these controls, our Job Safety Analysis digital template offers a practical tool for management teams to identify hazards before incidents occur.

Read the full story here.