WorkSafe Clears Employer Over WA Government Contractor’s Death in Purnululu National Park

Incident Overview

On Saturday, 18 December 2021, a man in his 20s employed by a local Kimberley construction company died in Purnululu National Park after abandoning a broken-down vehicle and attempting a nearly 30-kilometre walk to reach assistance. The incident occurred in extreme heat conditions, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.

WorkSafe WA has confirmed that no breaches of workplace safety legislation occurred. The investigation was completed before the three-year statute of limitations under the Occupational Safety and Health Act expired in December 2024.

• Fatalities:
  • On Saturday, 18 December 2021, a man in his 20s employed by a local Kimberley construction company died in Purnululu National Park after abandoning a broken-down vehicle and attempting a nearly 30-kilometre walk to reach assistance
  • Deceased:
• Injuries:
  • None reported.

• On Saturday, 18 December 2021, a man in his 20s employed by a local Kimberley construction company died in Purnululu National Park after abandoning a broken-down vehicle and attempting a nearly 30-kilometre walk to reach assistance
• Deceased:

WorkSafe WA has confirmed that no breaches of workplace safety legislation occurred. The investigation was completed before the three-year statute of limitations under the Occupational Safety and Health Act expired in December 2024.

WA Police attended and determined the death was not suspicious. The case was referred to WorkSafe WA to investigate potential breaches of workplace safety legislation. A report was prepared for the WA coroner and submitted in January 2024.

WorkSafe WA conducted a full investigation under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, which was replaced in 2020 by the Work Health and Safety Act. The investigation concluded that the employer did not breach workplace safety regulations. As of the announcement in February 2025, the WA coroner has yet to release official findings regarding the cause of death.

WorkSafe WA encourages any workers, contractors or persons with relevant information about workplace safety practices at remote construction sites in extreme heat conditions to contact WorkSafe WA on 1300 307 877 or visit worksafe.wa.gov.au. The WA coroner’s findings, when released, may provide further clarity into the circumstances surrounding this incident.