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Introduction
Northern Star Mining Services Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of ASX-listed gold miner Northern Star Resources, has accepted a $750,000 fine following a 2023 workplace safety breach that left a worker with severe spinal and leg injuries. The incident occurred during equipment servicing at the Porphyry mine in Western Australia’s Goldfields and highlights ongoing challenges in ensuring safety protocols are followed in high-risk mining operations.
The company pleaded guilty to two charges under the Work Health and Safety Act 2020, acknowledging its failure to protect workers from foreseeable hazards.
Details of the Incident
The accident happened on January 13, 2023, in the surface workshop at the Porphyry mine. A drill operator was assisting with maintenance on a Sandvik twin-boom jumbo drill rig when the boom rail moved uncontrollably due to an internal fault. The rail swung downward, striking the worker and causing serious injuries.
WorkSafe’s investigation revealed that proper safety procedures were not followed. Specifically:
- Power to the drill was not fully isolated, violating tagging and locking protocols.
- No barricades or hazard tape were used to restrict access to the energized equipment area.
- Supervisors failed to ensure the safe work procedure was adhered to during testing and adjustments.
The worker required hospitalization for spinal and leg injuries but remains employed by the company, according to Northern Star Resources managing director Stuart Tonkin.
Response and Investigation
WorkSafe Commissioner Sally North emphasized that the incident could have been prevented had the company followed its own isolation and tagging procedures. These measures are critical for identifying hazards and controlling risks when working with heavy machinery.
Northern Star Mining Services accepted responsibility, with Tonkin stating the breach was “unacceptable” and that the company had prioritized learning from the incident. He noted steps taken to enhance training and procedures to prevent future accidents.
The fine was imposed after a guilty plea in the Perth Magistrates Court, demonstrating the company’s willingness to acknowledge accountability.
Legal and Safety Considerations
The charges centered on two violations under the Work Health and Safety Act:
- Causation of serious harm to an employee.
- Exposure of workers to risks of death or life-altering injuries.
Commissioner North stressed that management and supervisors must enforce rigorous training and supervision, especially around hazardous machinery. “Procedural failures like these endanger lives and must be addressed immediately,” she said.
Northern Star Resources highlighted its commitment to safety improvements, stating the guilty plea reflects accountability for the “failure to ensure the health and safety of our team members.”
Facility Details
The Porphyry mine is part of Northern Star’s Carosue Dam operations, located approximately 120 kilometers northeast of Kalgoorlie-Boulder. The mine forms part of a broader portfolio that includes Kalgoorlie’s Super Pit gold mine.
Northern Star employs over 7,000 workers and contractors globally, underscoring its role as a major player in the mining industry. However, this incident follows another fatal accident at the Whirling Dervish mine in 2020, where contractor Michael Johnson died after a bogger drove over an open stope edge.