WorkSafe

The transitional period for compliance with regulations governing falls from height on WA construction sites will be extended following a decision made by Industrial Relations Minister Simone McGurk.

The transitional period will now last until September 30, 2026 and will be followed by a six-month Statement of Regulatory Intent to assist transition to the new laws.

WorkSafe Commissioner Sally North said today the prevention of falls in the construction sector remained a high priority.

An engineering company has been fined $567,000 (and ordered to pay $28,695 in costs) over the 2019 death of a worker at its Bassendean workshop.

Hofmann Engineering Pty Ltd pleaded guilty under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 to failing to provide and maintain a safe workplace and, by that failure, causing the death of a worker and was fined in the Perth Magistrates Court yesterday.

K19 Mining Pty Ltd has been fined $350,000 plus costs of $4,568.70 after a worker suffered nerve damage and hearing loss when knocked unconscious by a road-train tyre that exploded while being reinflated.

The company pleaded guilty in the South Hedland Magistrates Court on 21 November 2024 to failing to ensure the safety of a worker and by that contravention causing serious harm under the Work Health and Safety Act 2020.

A Balcatta machining and heavy metal fabrication business has been fined $250,000 (and ordered to pay $5990 in costs) over a 2021 incident that resulted in serious injury to a worker.

Twoex Pty Ltd – trading as West City Engineering – pleaded guilty to failing to provide and maintain a safe work environment and, by that failure, causing serious harm to an employee, and was fined in the Perth Magistrates Court yesterday.

A Hope Valley heavy industrial company has been fined $350,000 on two charges (and ordered to pay $5295 in costs) over causing serious injuries to a 16-year-old apprentice and not reporting the injury.

National Steel Workplace Pty Ltd pleaded guilty to failing to provide and maintain a safe work environment and, by that failure, causing serious harm to a worker, and was fined in the Rockingham Magistrates Court yesterday. National Steel also pleaded guilty to failing to notify the Commissioner of that injury.

WorkSafe has commenced prosecution proceedings against a meat processing facility over the 2022 death of a process worker at its Katanning operation.

Western Australian Meat Marketing Co-operative Ltd (WAMMCO) has been charged with failing to provide and maintain a safe work environment and, by that failure, causing the death of a worker.

In December 2022, a process worker at the facility suffered fatal injuries when he was entrapped by the moving parts of machinery.

WorkSafe inspectors recently visited a carpentry business where workers were in the process of making a large entertainment unit with an engineered stone top.

The stone had been cut the day before, and the factory was in the process of finalising fabrication of the cabinet.

A prohibition notice was issued to the business that required the stone slab to be disposed of and the evidence of disposal submitted to WorkSafe.

In December 2023, the decision was made to ban engineered stone slabs and panels across Australia, with the ban coming into effect from July 1, 2024.

WorkSafe Commissioner Sally North said today everyone on both sea and land needed to have safe systems of work in place and operating when a cyclone approached.

“Employers must have adequate plans in place and must provide employees with appropriate training to protect everyone in the workplace when a cyclone threatens,” Ms North said.

A Kalgoorlie engineering company has been fined $685,000 (and ordered to pay $21,413 in costs) over the death of a worker.

Monadelphous Engineering Associates Pty Ltd pleaded guilty to failing to provide and maintain a safe work environment and, by that failure, causing the death of the worker, and was fined in the Kalgoorlie Magistrates Court today.

The company provides maintenance and industrial services to heavy industry, including construction, painting and abrasive blasting of metal structures.

WorkSafe is investigating the work-related death of a male painter in his 60’s who was involved in an incident at Mandurah last week.

The male painter in his 60s was working from an A-frame ladder on Thursday when he fell, suffering critical injuries. He passed away today.

WorkSafe investigators examine the circumstances of incidents with a view to ensuring compliance and preventing future incidents of a similar nature.

WorkSafe Commissioner Sally North said the man’s death was a tragedy and relayed her sincere condolences to his family and friends.