It is the first mining fatality in WA since October 2022, when the industry recorded two deaths – a utility worker at Karlawinda Gold Mine who was killed when his vehicle was crushed by a dump truck, and a miner who was killed in a rockfall at St Ives underground gold mine near Kambalda.

Australian Workers’ Union WA branch secretary Brad Gandy said the union passed on its respects and best wishes to the worker’s family, and the tragedy highlighted the level of risks present in mine sites.

Gandy called for more funding and more inspectors to hold work sites to a high degree of safety, and said Tuesday’s death would have also had a profound effect on the worker’s colleagues who witnessed the incident.

“I just don’t want any more workers going to work and not coming home,” he said.

“It’s not just a union issue – it’s everyone’s issue.”

WorkSafe commissioner Darren Kavanagh offered his condolences to the worker’s family and workmates, and said any work-related death was a tragedy.

The organisation is investigating the incident, which is also under investigation by the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator.

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