First industrial manslaughter charges applied in mining since first introduced
Mastermyne Crinum Operations Pty Ltd has been charged with industrial manslaughter for the death of an employee in September 2021.
The charge, filed by the Office of the Work Health and Safety Prosecutor (OWHSP), marks the first time a mining employer has been charged with industrial manslaughter after it was introduced to the industry in 2020.
The case involves the death of Graham Dawson, 60, who died three years ago after the roof of the Crinum underground mine collapsed and crushed him.
An investigation by the Mining and Energy Union's (MEU) Industry Safety and Health Representatives revealed that Mastermyne's strata control systems were inadequate.
"While nothing can make up for the tragic loss of Graham, it is a relief to know that those in charge of operations at Crinum will be held to account," said MEU Queensland district president Mitch Hughes in a statement.
Mastermyne, a subsidiary of mining group Metarock, told ABC News that it is carefully considering the charges.
"Because this matter is now before the court, it is not appropriate for the company to make further public comments about the incident until the conclusion of the legal proceedings," a spokesperson from the organisation told the news outlet.
It maintained, however, that staff safety is its top priority, and they would "continue to engage" with its workforce to improve safety outcomes.
Meanwhile, Hughes said the charges against Mastermyne will send a strong message to mine employers about the consequences of neglecting employee safety.
"If you seriously injure or kill a worker, you will be held to account," the district president said.
The charges against Mastermyne came after a recent fatality at Byerwen mine and a major underground explosion at Grosvenor mine at the end of June, according to the MEU.
