Latest news with #WorkSafeWA
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Yahoo
Council warns of $62,000 fine after 'suspicious' discovery in Aussie bush
Australians are being reminded of the tough penalties in place for dumping asbestos, after multiple bags of the toxic substance were found scattered in bushland. Late last week, the Shire of Augusta Margaret River council reported bags of asbestos had been discarded near the Minnie Keenan Trail near Bramley in Margaret River, Western Australia. Council said it took crews "days" to remove the asbestos, and warned of the steep fines in places for offenders. Speaking to Yahoo News, Council CEO Andrea Selvey said investigations to track down the responsible parties are continuing. "The source of the dumped asbestos has not yet been identified," Selvey said. "Illegal dumping in Shire bushland reserves does occur from time to time. Typically, the dumped material consists of rubbish or household items such as old mattresses or furniture. The dumping of asbestos is thankfully a very rare occurrence." On conviction, the offence carries a maximum penalty of $125,000 for corporations and $62,500 for individuals. There are also additional penalties under WorkSafe WA and Shire local laws. "The dumped asbestos material took a couple of days to remove, as more asbestos bags were discovered over several days in bushland adjacent to Carters Road," Selvey added. "We would like to remind everyone that the costs of removing illegally dumped waste are covered by all ratepayers. This means that valuable funds are diverted from positive projects that could enhance our community and advance our shared priorities." Asbestos, once widely used in Australian construction for its heat resistance and durability, is still present in many homes built before the late 1980s. Deadly find hidden in suburban backyard soil triggers $200,000 fine Widow's warning to millions of homeowners after unthinkable tragedy New Sydney parklands closed over 'concerning' toxic discovery in kids' play area Despite its ban in 2003, large amounts of asbestos-containing materials remain hidden in places like roof sheeting, wall linings, vinyl floor tiles and even old fencing. Many homeowners are unaware of its presence, especially during renovations or DIY projects. When disturbed, asbestos fibres can become airborne and, if inhaled, lodge in the lungs. Over time, this exposure can lead to serious health conditions, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma—a rare and aggressive cancer with no cure. These diseases can take decades to develop, making early exposure especially dangerous. Health authorities stress the importance of checking for asbestos before undertaking any home improvements and recommend using licensed professionals for removal. Even small jobs can pose a risk if fibres are released. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
7NEWS
05-05-2025
- 7NEWS
Fodder exporter fined $600,000 after worker's leg trapped in machinery used to cut hay bales
An Australian fodder exporter has been fined almost $600,000 after a worker sustained serious injuries when part of his body was trapped in a chamber used to slice hay bales in half. A leading hand was operating a hay press at a processing plant in Carani, in WA 's Wheatbelt, when he climbed onto the machine to rearrange bales that had become twisted during a shift in January 2023. The worker suffered a fractured leg and a 'degloving injury' when he was shunted by a mechanical arm 'that pushes hay bales into the cutting chamber, and his leg became trapped in the chamber', WorkSafe WA said. HA Hold Co, which trades as Hay Australia, pleaded guilty in the Northam Magistrates Court in April to failing to provide a safe workplace which led to the worker's serious harm. It was fined $595,000 and ordered to pay $5500 in costs. WorkSafe WA said the conveyor belt did have interlocked gates that would shut the machine off when opened, but that they were only installed on the opposite side to where the man was injured. The safety watchdog said workers were known to fix twisted bales by reaching over the conveyor belt and pushing them into place because it was quicker than walking around to the gates and switching off the machine. WorkSafe also identified that the company had failed to install guarding to the open side of the conveyor belt even after an external safety consultant had warned about the risks of not doing so and said there was no documented safe work procedure for addressing blockages. A mesh guard was fitted to the unguarded area after the worker was injured. 'It's disappointing that we continue to see incidents involving insufficient guarding of machinery, particularly conveyor belts,' WorkSafe Commissioner Sally North said. 'In this case, the employer had been made aware of the missing conveyor belt guards but had not taken action to remedy the problem. 'Guarding needs to be designed to reduce not only the risks during standard operation of the machinery but also risks that may arise when a worker makes an error.'
Yahoo
23-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Australia's Mineral Resources resumes haulage at Onslow Iron project
(Reuters) - Australia's Mineral Resources said on Monday it had resumed haulage operations on its Onslow Iron project in Western Australia following a pause after a road train accident last week. Operations resumed on March 21 following discussions with WorkSafe WA, part of the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety, about controls and risk mitigation. The previously announced works program to upgrade the haul road continues on schedule for completion in the first quarter of 2026, the miner said. The company's transhipper vessel, MinRes Rosily, also commenced operations at the Port of Ashburton on March 22, increasing the Onslow Iron project's transhipping capacity to 28 million tonnes per annum. Mineral Resources added that its Onslow Iron volume guidance for the fiscal year 2025 remained unchanged.
Reuters
23-03-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Australia's Mineral Resources resumes haulage at Onslow Iron project
March 24 (Reuters) - Australia's Mineral Resources ( opens new tab said on Monday it had resumed haulage operations on its Onslow Iron project in Western Australia following a pause after a road train accident last week. Operations resumed on March 21 following discussions with WorkSafe WA, part of the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety, about controls and risk mitigation. Get a look at the day ahead in U.S. and global markets with the Morning Bid U.S. newsletter. Sign up here. The previously announced works program to upgrade the haul road continues on schedule for completion in the first quarter of 2026, the miner said. The company's transhipper vessel, MinRes Rosily, also commenced operations at the Port of Ashburton on March 22, increasing the Onslow Iron project's transhipping capacity to 28 million tonnes per annum. Mineral Resources added that its Onslow Iron volume guidance for the fiscal year 2025 remained unchanged.
