Authorities are trying to determine how a resources worker died within days of a different on-the-job incident.
WorkSafe investigators are examining factors that led to a contractor passing away at Capricorn Metals’ Karlawinda mine, 530km southeast of Port Hedland.
The MACA employee was declared deceased on the morning of 13 October 2022, prompting the operation to temporarily stop work to let officials access the scene.
“WA Police have been notified and are currently on the scene. The WA Department of Mines, Industry Regulations and Safety (DMIRS) has also been advised. The Karlawinda emergency response team have been activated and are assisting at [the] site,” a Capricorn spokesperson said in a public statement.
The proponent gave no details on how the man died and expressed sympathy for the victim, colleagues and loved ones.
“Everyone at Capricorn is shocked and saddened by the fatality at the Karlawinda mine site this morning. Our deepest thoughts and condolences go out to the MACA employee’s family, friends and colleagues,” Capricorn executive chairman Mark Clark said.
The contractor has also mobilised senior leaders to the mine site and extended “direct support” to those affected by the “significant incident”.
“Our thoughts are with the family, friends and workmates of our colleague. We will be providing support to our colleague’s family and our teams as we all work through this tragic event,” MACA CEO David Greig said in a public statement.
AMSJ can reveal the pandemic was responsible for a 22 per cent drop in DMIRS inspections across the Golden State to just 2179 visits during 2021 compared to the previous year. This equates to 636 fewer workplace safety visits across the jurisdiction.
Worksafe defended its decision to limit inspector movements due to the risk of spreading coronavirus (COVID) to mine employees and rural communities.
“Mines safety inspectors remained in regular contact with mine operators, regarding known work safety risk factors. Inspectors also provided advice on mental health risks, roster changes, fatigue management plans, communication strategies and the requirements of the relevant mines safety legislation,” WorkSafe commissioner Darren Kavanagh said according to Seven West Media.
“With the evolving nature of COVID and reduced restrictions, WorkSafe mines inspectors have [since] significantly increased the number of visits they are conducting. This includes attending multiple mine sites in a single trip.”
The Mining and Energy Union (MEU) urged every mine worker to come forward if something is not right.
“It is the second [fatality] this week. Any unsafe acts should be reported to the union,” MEU WA state secretary Mick Buchan said according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
“It is tragic and my condolences go to the family.”
The remarks came after a contractor died and his coworker was injured at Gold Fields’ St Ives Mine, 80km south of Kalgoorlie. The deceased male was in his 30s.
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