A coal mining company has been fined $210,000 after a worker was fatally injured while operating a tracked mobile shovel in Western Australia's south.
The worker at the Ewington mine was trying to access the shovel's electrical stop switch, but a hydraulic ladder was activated, causing it to rotate down and pin the employee against a fixed handrail. Griffin Coal pleaded guilty in Perth Magistrates Court to failing to provide and maintain a safe work environment, causing the death of an employee in April 2018.The magistrate handed down the fine on Wednesday and also ordered the company to pay $23,000 in court costs.
Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety director of mine safety Andrew Chaplyn said the incident was an important safety reminder."The code specifically warns about crushing hazards, including the risk of a worker being caught between a machine part and a fixed structure.
The cost of doing business for mining companies. A drop in the bucket for them. Until a CEO goes to jail it will continue to occur.