2014 Western Australia Mining Fatality Review
This report examines the 52 fatal mining accidents that occurred in Western Australia over the 13-year period from 2000 to 2012, inclusive.
The number of employees increased from about 40,000 in 2000 to almost 100,000 in 2012. The number of workers involved in exploration, and underground and surface mining all increased over that time.
There were 50 mining and two exploration fatal accidents over the 13-year period. This gives an average of four fatal
accidents each year.
Of the 52 fatal accidents, 17 were underground and 35 were on the surface. Over the period of the review, there were about ten times as many people employed in surface mines as underground mines, giving a fatal incidence rate about five
times greater for underground work as compared to surface work.
Both government and industry had realised that an improved approach was needed. Other recommendations of the
Kenner review relate to the use of the safety system and risk management approach. The application of principal hazard
management plans was endorsed in line with the National Mines Safety Framework.
There were no fatal accidents in the Western Australian mining industry in 2012, the first time this has been achieved
in over a century of recorded history.
Since the end of the review period until March 2014, there have been four fatal accidents, three in 2013 and one in
2014. These tragic incidents reinforce the need for everyone involved with the industry to remain vigilant at all times.
This accident claimed the lives of 52 people.