WA employer fined $50k after workers lost in the desert
1 view
Skip to first unread message
Dave Whitefield
Sep 12, 2012, 9:57:56 AM9/12/12
to safetyd...@googlegroups.com
A rare example of a prosecution that did not come about because of an injury or illness, but rather an exposure to the risk of harm. Also a classic example of the assumption that things will generally always go as planned, I mean, if you thought they could get lost you might at least discuss things like how to use the epirb.
A Western Australian employer has been fined $50,000 for safety breaches, after two female workers were sent on a 600km journey through the desert - without a map or GPS - and became lost.
In December 2009, the Kalgoorlie-based MAXNetwork Pty Ltd employment consultants were instructed to drive to a remote community in the Great Victoria Desert.
The journey, along a narrow road with no signs, was expected to take 10 hours. The workers had not been trained in travelling in remote areas or in first aid, and were not provided with navigational aids.
When they realised they were lost, they dialled 000 on their satellite phone, but it didn't work. The phone's emergency number was 911, but they hadn't been told this. Their vehicle was carrying an EPIRB (distress beacon), but they did not know how to use it.
At 5am the next day, after 23 hours of constant driving, they came across a roadhouse and found help.
MAXNetwork was subsequently charged with failing to provide and maintain a safe work environment, and was ordered to pay nearly $5000 in costs, in addition to the fine, after pleading guilty in the Kalgoorlie Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
WorkSafe WA Commissioner Lex McCulloch said the employer regularly sent staff to remote areas, and its level of neglect was "inexcusable".
"We all know WA is a vast State, and there have been many tragic examples of people losing their lives in remote locations because they have set out largely unprepared," he said.
"Since this incident, the employer has implemented a range of measures to address the hazards of outreach visits, including risk assessments, checklists for mechanical checks, driver safety and equipment, emergency response procedures and training in four wheel driving and operating communications equipment."
Cheers
Safety Dave
0412 782 191
A Western Australian employer has been fined $50,000 for safety breaches, after two female workers were sent on a 600km journey through the desert - without a map or GPS - and became lost.
In December 2009, the Kalgoorlie-based MAXNetwork Pty Ltd employment consultants were instructed to drive to a remote community in the Great Victoria Desert.
The journey, along a narrow road with no signs, was expected to take 10 hours. The workers had not been trained in travelling in remote areas or in first aid, and were not provided with navigational aids.
When they realised they were lost, they dialled 000 on their satellite phone, but it didn't work. The phone's emergency number was 911, but they hadn't been told this. Their vehicle was carrying an EPIRB (distress beacon), but they did not know how to use it.
At 5am the next day, after 23 hours of constant driving, they came across a roadhouse and found help.
MAXNetwork was subsequently charged with failing to provide and maintain a safe work environment, and was ordered to pay nearly $5000 in costs, in addition to the fine, after pleading guilty in the Kalgoorlie Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
WorkSafe WA Commissioner Lex McCulloch said the employer regularly sent staff to remote areas, and its level of neglect was "inexcusable".
"We all know WA is a vast State, and there have been many tragic examples of people losing their lives in remote locations because they have set out largely unprepared," he said.
"Since this incident, the employer has implemented a range of measures to address the hazards of outreach visits, including risk assessments, checklists for mechanical checks, driver safety and equipment, emergency response procedures and training in four wheel driving and operating communications equipment."
Cheers
Safety Dave
0412 782 191
Reply all
Reply to author
Forward
0 new messages