Union boss calls for crackdown in wake of horror WA workplace deaths with seven fatalities in five weeks

Unions WA boss Owen Whittle has called for the State’s Worksafe to sharpen its teeth after a spate of horror workplace deaths — with seven reported in just five weeks. Mr Whittle labelled two fatal work-related incidents in the Great Southern on Thursday as “tragic” and questioned a lack of prosecutions in WA. “It is time to see far greater resources invested in prosecuting workplace deaths,” he said. Albany truck driver Phillip Wignall, 45, was working on a prime mover when it rolled on him at Zambonetti Transport’s Narrikup depot about 4pm. It happened just hours after contracted construction labourer Todd Retallack, 25, was working on the roof of Katanning machinery dealer McIntosh & Son when he fell from the skylight about 9.40am. “Yet again we see workers die from a fall from height and another from mobile plant. These deaths are far too common and are always preventable,” Mr Whittle said. “Most employers are not prosecuted for workplace fatalities and do not receive any form of penalty. “Data released by Safe Work Australia last week shows a steep decline in prosecutions in WA from 21 in 2022 to eight in 2023. (This) doesn’t not even take into account the serious injuries and near misses suffered by workers in WA.” WA’s Industrial Relations Minister Simone McGurk described any death as “unacceptable” and expressed her condolences to Mr Retallack and Mr Wignall’s families. “This is heartbreaking news, and I want to express my deepest sympathies to the families of the two men,” Minister McGurk said. “Right now, these men should be enjoying their weekends with their loved ones – but instead, their families are facing the prospect of planning their funerals. “Any workplace death is unacceptable. These are deaths that could — and should — have been prevented. “The State Government has strengthened laws, increased penalties, and put more resources into safety inspections, but employers – whatever their operations – need to understand risk and make safety their top priority. “A comprehensive suite of regulations applies in WA workplaces, and it is up to employers to make sure they are followed. “Worksafe is investigating the circumstances surrounding these two incidents, and I will await the findings of those investigations.” McIntosh & Son Katanning general manager Devon Gilmour said the company and construction firm who employed Mr Retallack were working with investigators. “Our thoughts are with Todd’s family, friends, colleagues and our team who were first responders,” he said. Zambonetti Transport were on Saturday providing workers with debriefings and support after the passing of their beloved colleague. Apprentice glazier Jonathan Hartshorn, 23, was killed in October 2020 at a Curtin University’s Bentley campus after falling 20 metres when the glass roof of a five-storey partly constructed building gave way. WorkSafe laid charges against steel fabrication company Elsdon Pty Ltd in late 2023, with offences that carry a maximum penalty that could reach $2 million. Another company, Stantec Australia Pty Ltd, which was involved in the design of the roof, is also facing charges of failing to ensure the safety and health of individuals who were not their employees. The maximum penalty could be $1.5 million. In June 2016, a 33-year-old scaffolder died after falling through a skylight at HBF Stadium. In court, his employer Perth Aluminium Scaffolds Pty Ltd and the State Government agency trading as Venue West were both fined $90,000. The court heard there were several flaws with the job including that no site-specific safety induction was provided and there were no rails or barriers placed around the skylights. In January the following year, 17-year-old Wesley Ballantine had been working for Industrial Construction Services when he fell 12 metres through an atrium in the old Post Office building in Perth CBD. Construction company boss Luke Fraser Corderoy was found guilty of negligence and fined $60,000 plus court costs. In the wake of Thursday’s double fatalities, new WA Worksafe Commissioner Sally North urged anyone in charge of a business in the State to conduct “an urgent risk assessment”. “Senior management also have a duty to check that the controls effectively reduce the risks, and this should be done in consultation with workers,” she said. WA records about 20 workplace deaths on average annually, though the number can vary. For example, there were 24 deaths reported to WorkSafe in the 2022-23 financial year and 12 in 2023-24. If you or someone you know is in need of support you can contact MATES in Construction WA via the 24 hour helpline on 1300 642 111. Lifeline 13 11 14