A mining company has been fined $575,000 after a worker suffered life-changing injuries while carrying out maintenance work on site. The incident occurred when the worker became entangled in operating plant, resulting in serious injuries. Investigations found there were failures in the company’s safety systems, including inadequate controls to prevent workers from being exposed to the hazard.
The case serves as a reminder that workplace incidents are rarely caused by a single mistake. More often, they occur when hazards have not been adequately identified, controls are ineffective, or safety procedures are not consistently followed.
Importantly, many of these risks can exist in workplaces long before an incident occurs. Businesses should regularly review whether controls remain appropriate, workers understand the required procedures, and high-risk tasks are being managed effectively.
For employers, the key lesson is that safety documentation alone is not enough. Procedures, training and controls must be implemented, understood and followed in practice.
To help reduce risk, employers should:
- Regularly review high-risk tasks and associated hazards.
- Ensure controls are practical, effective and consistently applied.
- Verify workers understand and follow required procedures.
- Investigate hazards, incidents and near misses promptly.
- Regularly review safety systems to ensure they remain fit for purpose.
If you’d like support reviewing your safety systems, controls or high-risk work activities, our team is here to help. Contact us on (08) 9316 9896 or get in touch.
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