WorkSafe investigating fatality of quarry employee

WorkSafe Victoria is investigating the fatality of a quarry employee after a worker was found dead at the base of a silo in a Montrose quarry, east of Melbourne, on Saturday.

A statement issued by the safety watchdog on Monday indicated the 54-year-old man fell approximately 18 metres through an opening at the top of the silo before being found around 3pm. WorkSafe is investigating whether adequate safety measures were in place to prevent access to unguarded openings at height, a risk that remains common across quarry and construction sites nationwide.

This incident marks the fourth confirmed work-related death for this year, according to WorkSafe statistics, underscoring an ongoing risk profile within resources and construction industries across Australia.

Why Silo and Quarry Safety Remains a Persistent Risk

Falls from height through unguarded openings continue to represent one of the most serious safety hazards in mining and quarry operations. Silos, hoppers and similar structures require rigorous risk controls, including physical barriers, fall arrest systems and clear signage around access points.

Health and safety professionals working in quarry, mining and construction settings should treat this fatality as a reminder to review site-specific risk assessments, particularly for elevated work areas and confined spaces. Robust compliance with fall prevention standards, alongside regular inspection of silo access points, can significantly reduce risk of similar incidents.

Key Safety Considerations for Quarry and Silo Operations

• Ensure all silo openings are fitted with secure covers, guardrails or grates to prevent accidental falls
• Conduct regular audits of fall-prevention equipment and confined space entry procedures
• Provide comprehensive training on working-at-height risk for all personnel accessing elevated structures
• Maintain up-to-date safety documentation, including a worker handbook outlining site-specific hazards and emergency procedures

Employers should also review relevant safe work method statements, such as those covering stone cutting operations at quarry sites, to ensure documentation reflects current risk controls and compliance obligations.

Broader Pattern of WorkSafe Investigations

This case follows several other recent incidents examined by WorkSafe, highlighting a broader pattern across high-risk industries. WorkSafe previously investigated a fatality involving mining machinery, while a separate case saw a fatality at a Queensland quarry trigger a safety warning for operators nationwide. Even outside heavy industry, a fatality in emergency care led to WorkSafe charges, demonstrating that safety obligations extend well beyond traditional high-risk sectors.

Together, these cases reinforce why proactive safety management, thorough documentation and consistent compliance remain essential across construction, mining and health-related workplaces alike.

Source: WorkSafe Victoria website.