September sentencing set after company pleads guilty in relation to the death of a Pilbara Mine worker.
| Date: | Tuesday, 12 August 2014 |
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Company pleads guilty of failing to provide a safe working environment for electrical contractor Kurt Williams
Crushing Services International Pty Ltd (CSI) has entered a guilty plea in the Department of Mines and Petroleum’s prosecution related to the death of a Pilbara mine worker on 14 August last year.
The matter was heard yesterday in South Hedland before Magistrate Potter.
Mr Kurt Williams, a contracted electrician with CSI, was greasing a motor when he was fatally crushed by a ladder attached to a tripper unit at the top of the ore processing facility at Fortescue Metal Group’s Christmas Creek mine.
CSI was charged under the Mines and Safety Inspection Act for failing to provide a safe working environment.
DMP’s Resources Safety Executive Director Simon Ridge said the guilty plea was a pleasing result for a very tragic matter.
“I am sure it will be a relief to the victim’s family that this court matter will not continue to be a protracted process,” he said.
“It should also serve as a reminder that safety needs to be the number one priority for everyone, especially mine operators.
“There is no room for complacency, every fatality or serious injury is one too many.
“The department will continue to work with mining operators to ensure WA operates to high safety standards, but in any instance where that is found not to be the case, the department will hold those responsible to account.”
The guilty plea was entered and the matter was adjourned until 19 September 2014 for sentencing.
