WorkSafe WA

WA adopted harmonised model WHS Act 2020 with industrial manslaughter offences from 31 March 2022.

From 1 December 2026 the 0.05 mg/m³ silica standard becomes a legally binding workplace exposure limit (WEL).

WA mine operators must ensure safe and healthy mines under MSIA + WHS Act 2020.

WHS duty extends to psychosocial hazards — workload, bullying, harassment, role conflict.

Before high risk construction work starts, a SWMS must identify the work, its hazards and risks, the control measures, and how they are implemented, monitored and reviewed.

All construction site workers must have completed nationally recognised induction training (CPCWHS1001).

Forklift, crane, scaffolding, dogging, rigging, EWP and other high-risk work requires a HRWL.

Steel erector on a Malaga industrial site; in July 2024 a non-rated, non-compliant lifting lug failed and a suspended steel column fell on a rigger, killing him. Directors knew the lug was unrated but kept it in use. Highest fine ever under WA workplace safety laws.

At the Matilda Gold open pit in September 2021, an unsecured 750kg wheel assembly on a telehandler fell on an 18-year-old labour-hire apprentice, leaving him paraplegic. The tyre-change procedure lacked clear instructions on pinning/crush risks.

Trucking company that carried the same water pump; its driver did not apply an overall restraint strap or check the boom's bolt and chain. The boom swung free near Meekatharra in July 2022, killing another truck driver.

Mining services company at the Mungari gold mine; guarding on a stacker's side access port had been missing for about a year. In April 2022 a mechanic clearing material while the stacker ran was entangled in a nip point and suffered crush injuries and a fractured arm.

Head contractor whose subcontractor's 19-year-old worker was killed in November 2021 when a 250kg sea container ramp fell on him during lowering. No safe work procedure existed and the installed winch was not working. The subcontractor had earlier been fined $250,000.

Welshpool spray painting and sandblasting company; in June 2023 S-hooks with no rated capacity straightened and a 425kg suspended steel beam fell on a 16-year-old labourer, killing him. A 2021 prohibition notice had already targeted work under suspended loads.

Drill rig services company with no documented risk assessment or lift planning for overhead crane use. In February 2023 an unstable skid assembly on trestles tipped and a worker operating the crane was fatally crushed.

Trading as Welltech Total Water Management, the hire company of a mobile water pump whose boom came loose in transport on Great Northern Highway in July 2022 and killed an oncoming truck driver. Two co-defendants were each fined $160,000.

At Toll's Perth Airport freight premises in January 2021, a worker on light duties changing floor stickers was struck from behind by a reversing forklift and suffered serious leg injuries. Court found forklifts and pedestrians should have been separated with barricades.