Mining Company Pleads Guilty Over Worker's Fatal Accident

A Western Australian mining maintenance company has pleaded guilty to charges related to the death of a 25-year-old worker at its South Boulder workshop in December 2023.

Ty Drummond, a heavy diesel mechanic, died on December 11, 2023, while working on a Sandvik TH663 mining truck at the workshop of ATS Mining Maintenance, which trades as ATS.

According to WorkSafe, Mr. Drummond was instructed to remove the front axle from the truck, but a deflated front left tyre caused the vehicle to lean at an angle. When he went under the truck, the jack supporting it failed, and he was fatally injured.

WorkSafe WA charged Dalmain Enterprises Proprietary Limited, trading as ATS, with failing to provide and maintain a safe working environment, which resulted in the death of a worker. The charge carries a maximum penalty of a $3.5 million fine.

Defence lawyer Sarah Harvey entered a guilty plea on behalf of the company in the Kalgoorlie Magistrates Court on Friday. The case has been adjourned until February 10 next year for sentencing.

Prosecutor Ethan Heywood told the court that the delays in the case were due to "broader alleged failings" by the company, including a documented risk assessment for working under an elevated truck. He alleged that the company failed to provide adequate instruction or supervision, or use a suitable work lift crane alongside jack stands to support the truck.

Magistrate Donna Webb described the case as a "complex sentencing exercise" and said she would consider other case law when determining the penalty. The defence will file "extensive mitigation material" for the sentencing hearing.