WorkSafe probing two workplace fatalities

WorkSafe Probing Two Workplace Fatalities

WorkSafe is currently investigating two separate incidents of workplace fatalities that occurred on Tuesday, both raising serious questions about site safety and equipment management practices across Western Australia.

Donnybrook: Skip Bin Incident

In Donnybrook, a male worker was fatally injured while picking up a skip bin from the front yard of a residential property at about 8am. Investigators are examining whether equipment management protocols and load-handling controls were adequate for the task being performed.

WorkSafe investigators visited the scene to assess what safety measures had been applied to the equipment involved, and whether existing risk controls met required health and safety standards.

Maida Vale: Suspected Electrical Fatality

In the Maida Vale area, it is thought that a worker was electrocuted while trimming trees next to high voltage power lines at about 2pm. This incident highlights the ongoing electrical risk faced by workers performing tasks near live infrastructure, particularly when working with equipment that lacks proper electrical safety clearance.

Inspectors from WorkSafe and Building and Energy were present at the site to determine whether electrical isolation procedures, equipment inspections, and control measures were followed correctly before work began.

Why These Fatalities Matter for Workplace Safety

Both incidents point to recurring risk factors seen across construction and outdoor maintenance work in Australia: inadequate equipment checks, insufficient control of electrical hazards, and gaps in on-site health and safety supervision.

Employers have a duty to ensure that equipment used for lifting, cutting, or working near electrical hazards is properly maintained and operated only by trained personnel. This includes:

• Regular equipment inspections before and during use
• Clear electrical safety protocols when working near power lines
• Proper risk assessments for tasks involving heavy equipment or falls from height
• Ongoing health and safety training for workers exposed to electrical or mechanical hazards

Falls, electrical contact, and equipment-related injuries remain among the leading causes of workplace fatalities nationally, according to safety data published by government regulators. These recurring risk categories reinforce why proactive management of workplace hazards, rather than reactive investigation, remains critical.

Broader Safety Context

These fatalities follow a pattern seen in other recent cases, including incidents detailed in WorkSafe's investigation into two fatal workplace incidents and the two workplace deaths within 24 hours that prompted a WorkSafe probe. Both cases underscore how quickly gaps in equipment management or electrical safety can turn routine tasks into fatal incidents.

Some employers have faced serious consequences for failing to manage workplace risk appropriately, as seen when WorkSafe charged two elevator companies with workplace manslaughter following separate fatal incidents.

Managing Equipment and Electrical Risk on Site

Effective equipment management goes beyond routine maintenance schedules. Organisations need documented systems covering equipment handling, electrical safety near power infrastructure, and hazard identification for tasks involving falls or manual handling.

Legacy hazards such as asbestos also remain a significant concern on older residential and commercial sites. Workers removing skip bins, waste materials, or undertaking renovation work may encounter asbestos-containing materials, making proper identification and control procedures essential before any equipment is deployed on site.

Key control measures organisations should have in place include:

• Documented equipment management procedures for all high-risk tools and machinery
• Asbestos identification and management plans for older properties
• Electrical safety exclusion zones around power infrastructure
• Fall prevention controls for elevated or uneven work areas

Businesses seeking to strengthen their internal health and safety documentation may also benefit from reviewing broader workplace policies, such as those addressing psychosocial hazards outlined in SafetyDocs' workplace mental health and psychosocial policies.

Summary

WorkSafe's investigation into these two fatalities reflects a continued need for rigorous equipment management, stronger electrical safety controls, and consistent risk assessment across construction and outdoor work sites. Until findings are released, employers across Australia are reminded to review their own equipment, electrical, and asbestos management practices to help prevent similar tragedies.

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