WorkSafe investigates death of farmer in Mid-West

WorkSafe is investigating the work-related death yesterday of a 72-year-old farmer at Maya in WA’s Mid-West, around 240km NNE of Perth.

The man was reported to have been jump-starting an old tractor in order to use it to release a bogged truck when the tractor struck him. It then continued travelling into a paddock where it hit trees and started a fire.

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

WorkSafe investigates death of shearer

WorkSafe is investigating the work-related death of a shearer at Katrine, between Northam and Toodyay.

The man was reported to have been placing wool into a wool press yesterday when he was caught in the machinery.

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

WorkSafe WA Commissioner Darren Kavanagh said any work-related death was a tragedy, and relayed his sincere condolences to the man’s family.

WorkSafe investigates death of farmer at Berkshire Valley

WorkSafe is investigating the work-related death of an 89-year-old farmer at Berkshire Valley – 200km north of Perth – late on Tuesday.

The farmer was reported to have been unloading hay from a tractor when the vehicle slipped into gear and rolled, striking him.

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

WorkSafe WA Commissioner Darren Kavanagh said any work-related death was a tragedy, and relayed his sincere condolences to the man’s family.

Record $900,000 fine for Department of Justice over dog attack

The State of Western Australia (Department of Justice) has been fined $900,000 (and ordered to pay $6404 in costs) after an employee was seriously injured when attacked by a dog that was intended to respond to critical incidents.

Department of Justice 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 Armadale Magistrates Court yesterday.

Waste recycling company fined $230,000 after successfully appealing previous penalty

A Bayswater waste recycling company has been fined $230,000 after successfully appealing an earlier conviction in which it was fined $330,000 over an incident in which a labour hire worker’s arm was amputated at the shoulder.

Resource Recovery Solutions Pty Ltd was previously found guilty and sentenced in November 2020 for two offences – gross negligence in failing to provide and maintain a safe work environment for a labour hire worker, and non-compliance with an improvement notice issued by WorkSafe.

Building company fined $45,000 over worker fall

A building company has been fined $45,000 (and ordered to pay $5000 in costs) over an incident in which a worker fell approximately three metres through a concealed void at a construction site in Safety Bay.

Alcove Engineering & Construction Pty Ltd pleaded guilty to failing to provide and maintain a safe working environment for a person who was not their employee, and was fined in the Rockingham Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.

WorkSafe lays charges over death of worker

WorkSafe has commenced prosecution action against a Bassendean engineering company over the death of a worker who was crushed by machinery in May 2019.

Hofmann Engineering Pty Ltd has been charged with failing to provide a safe work environment and, by that failure, causing the death of an employee.

On May 9, 2019, a welder employed by Hofmann Engineering was in the fabrication workshop welding large gear segments with the aid of a welding manipulator.

The boom of the welding manipulator fell suddenly onto the worker, resulting in fatal crush injuries.

WorkSafe investigates death of worker at North Coogee

WorkSafe is investigating the work-related death this morning of a worker at a North Coogee salt refinery.

He was reported to have been working with a conveyor belt when he was caught in the belt.

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

WorkSafe Commissioner Darren Kavanagh said any work-related death was a tragedy, and relayed his sincere condolences to the man’s family.

Media contact: Caroline De Vaney 6251 2363 or 0408 927563 (media enquiries only).

Transport company fined $89,000 for breaching fatigue management laws

A transport service company has been fined a total of $89,000 (and ordered to pay $6807 in costs) after being convicted on 24 charges under the State’s workplace fatigue management laws.

JSS Logistics Pty Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching fatigue management regulations, and was fined in the Midland Magistrates Court yesterday.

A total of 21 charges related to breaches of hours of work fatigue regulations, for which JSS was given a global penalty of $80,000, and for three charges of breaching record keeping regulations the company was fined $9000.

WorkSafe Commissioner launches inquiry into agriculture

WorkSafe Commissioner Darren Kavanagh will conduct an inquiry into the agricultural industry after the 12th work-related death in 12 months in the sector yesterday.

A 24-year-old male died yesterday between Varley Creek and Lake King in the Great Southern. He was moving a bogged vehicle with a tractor when the towing equipment he was using failed and he was struck in the head, causing fatal injuries.