Authorities are investigating the latest in a string of resources employee fatalities.
The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety wants to know exactly how a worker passed away while on duty at Silver Lake Resources’ Daisy Milano Mine near Mount Monger, 58km southeast of Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
Operations were suspended to let investigators examine circumstances surrounding the Macmahon contractor’s death on 9 June 2021. They are widely expected to examine why Western Australia recorded its third workplace fatality in 12 months.
Bogger operator Michael Benjamin Johnson earlier died after falling from height at Saracen Minerals’ Whirling Dervish mine, 123km northeast of Kalgoorlie-Boulder. Saracen previously confirmed the 38-year-old died from injuries sustained while his underground loader plummeted over an open stope.
Meanwhile, a haul truck fatally struck underground operator Paige Counsell at Westgold Resources’ Big Bell Mine, 452km northeast of Geraldton. Workers told AMSJ the 25-year-old’s injuries were so severe she passed away within six hours of the incident.
“Macmahon CEO Mick Finnegan extends the company’s deepest sympathy to the deceased’s family, friends and colleagues,” the employer said in a public statement.
“Macmahon will provide support and counselling to the site team and family members.”
Silver Lake Resources has been charged multiple times for failing to maintain a work environment free from hazards and falls, according to Southern Cross Austereo.
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In nine years in the mining industry I knew five people who died at work. After twelve in the railways none. Risky work, no unions ,placebo safety and you are encouraged to take short cuts.