The employer of a boilermaker who lost an eye and fractured his skull in a horror workplace injury has been fined $500,000.
The G&G Mining Fabrication worker was hit by a falling 500kg steel plate while working on a hook-up assembly for an excavator bucket at the company’s Hazelmere workshop, east Perth, in August 2021.
WorkSafe WA reported the worker suffered serious head and facial injuries, including multiple skull fractures and the loss of an eye.
The company fronted Midland Magistrates’ Court over the incident this week.
G&G Mining Fabrication was fined $500,000 after it pleaded guilty to causing harm to a worker through its failure to provide a safe work environment.
It was also ordered to pay $6,500 in legal costs.
The WorkSafe investigation found an overhead crane was used to move a lug plate into position on the excavator bucket.
While it was held in position, workers used tack welds – a temporary weld – and turnbuckles to keep it aligned.
A worker was crushed by a 500kg lug plate while working on an excavator at G&G Mining Fabrication (pictured) in August 2021
The worker suffered severe injuries – including skull fractures and the loss of an eye – at the company’s Hazelmere workshop (pictured)
Several other employees in the workshop needed to use the crane and an assistant was later instructed to cut the turnbuckles.
Still believing the turnbuckles were in place, the worker at the centre of the case went underneath the plate to inspect it when the tack welds gave out.
The heavy plate fell onto the worker’s head, resulting in his severe injuries.
G&G Mining Fabrication’s existing WorkSafe procedures for cranes at the time primarily focused on the hazards associated with suspended loads, and were largely overlooked.
‘After the incident, the company developed a procedure specifically for this task and included that an overhead crane must remain connected to the lug plate until an adequate weld is in place,’ WorkSafe Commissioner Sally North said.
‘Being hit by falling metal objects is one of the highest risks for injuries and fatalities in the manufacturing sector and I encourage leaders working in this sector to consult workers and review their controls in relation to preventing objects from falling.’
In a statement to Daily Mail, a Mineral Resources – the owner of G&G Mining Fabrication – spokesperson said: ‘We can confirm G&G Mining Fabrication entered a guilty plea at a directions hearing on June 9 in relation to a breach of obligations to provide a safe working environment.
‘This related to a workplace incident at G&G Mining Fabrication in August 2021, prior to MinRes’ acquisition of the business in June 2023.
‘MinRes, together with the previous owner, fully cooperated with the WorkSafe investigation.
‘Since acquiring G&G Mining Fabrication, MinRes has continued to support the employee and implemented measures to improve safety controls at the workshop.’
