The State Government is to employ an extra 35 safety inspectors as part an overhaul of the mining industry in WA.
The Mines Minister Norman Moore says it is time for major changes, with 6 deaths on WA mine sites in the past year and another at Alcoa’s Wagerup refinery today.
A 50 year-old foreman, who was a contractor from Trans Pacific Industrial Solutions, died after falling down a shaft at the refinery about 6 am this morning.
The Department and Police are investigating the incident.
Mr Moore says it is sad that he is announcing positive moves for the industry on the day there is another fatality.
"It is an inherently dangerous industry but fatalities are just not acceptable," he said.
From next year, the industry will be regulated similarly to the petroleum sector where companies have a greater responsibility to ensure they are meeting safety standards.
Funding for mine safety will also move to a cost recovery model, where companies will pay the government $200 for each person they employ.
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