Mining operators should be severely punished for multiple remote worker fatalities, an advocate said.
Management has no excuse for a rock fall killing a drilling contractor at Gold Fields’ St Ives mine (80km south of Kalgoorlie), and a MACA utility truck operator suffering a fatal crash with a dump truck at Capricorn Metals’ Karlawinda mine (530km southeast of Port Hedland).
UnionsWA recently called for resources executives to face harsher penalties under some of the nation’s toughest work health and safety laws. The Golden State’s amended Work Health and Safety Act, which came into effect during March 2022, punishes employers according to the severity of each offence.
“While there are skill and labour shortages but high commodity prices, there is always the risk that cowboy operations will drive their workforce hard and cut corners on safety,” secretary Owen Whittle said according to Fairfax Media.
In the past five years, 13 mine workers perished across WA’s $179 billion mining sector. Only three of those cases were successfully prosecuted, with fines totalling a combined $345,000 at the time of publication.
The remarks came after another two employees were hospitalised from an October 15 blasting incident at Northern Star Resources’ Kanowna Belle mine, 23km northeast of Kalgoorlie.
WorkSafe investigators examined the scene shortly after an “unexpectedly initiated” misfire charge injured the pair at about 8:15pm. The State Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety is taking all potentially contributing factors into consideration.
The proponent is also doing an its own internal investigation into the incident.
“Both employees experienced facial lacerations from rock fragments and received medical treatment at Kalgoorlie hospital before being discharged. We are continuing to provide support to the employees to assist in their full recovery,” a North Star spokesperson said according to Seven West Media.
“Northern Star has been conducting companywide safety review meetings, with safety stops across the business, to enhance awareness and ensure hazards are managed to eliminate harm – the safety of our people is our first priority.”
Related articles
Mining activity partly resumes after ‘tragic’ FIFO worker death
Police confirms mine deaths involved FIFO workers
Investigators mull second mine fatality in one week
Authorities investigate ‘devastating’ mine worker death.
Add Comment