07:50 am, Thursday 31 July, 2008

After a 16 month investigation, WorkSafe WA will prosecute 8 companies, including Fortescue Metals Group,  the company of Australia’s richest man, Andrew “Twiggy” Forrest,  in connection with two deaths and serious injuries to seven others at a Pilbara construction camp during Cyclone George in March 2007.

The companies to be prosecuted are Spotless P & F, Pilbara Infrastructure, BGC Contracting, Laing O’Rourke, Spunbrood, WorleyParsons, Spotless Services and FMG.

The companies face a total of 49 charges under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984, including failure to provide and maintain a safe working environment, failure to maintain accommodation and failing to ensure temporary structures could withstand potential cyclones.

Severe winds destroyed temporary accommodation at the construction camp, 100km south of Port Hedland, which was part of FMG’s $3 billion Pilbara mine and infrastructure development.

WorkSafe WA Commissioner Nina Lyhne said that the large number of charges demonstrated the breadth of occupational safety and health responsibilities.

The cyclone deaths prompted the issuing of two Safety Bulletins and reminders to local government authorities about WorkSafe’s reporting requirements for building and construction projects.

The charges carry fines ranging from $200,000 to $400,000.

OHS News Tip: Commercial Construction Industry Work Method Statement

Report by Julia Alder - Do you have an OHS News Story - Let us know