WorkSafe Western Australia has launched prosecution proceedings against six companies in relation to four separate workplace incidents — all of which proved fatal — that occurred in WA in July and August 2024.

The charges, filed under the Work Health and Safety Act 2020, span incidents at a mine site, a construction workplace, an auction facility and a tree-pruning operation.

Thunderbox mine, August 2024: Northern Star Resources Ltd, Northern Star (Thunderbox) Pty Ltd and Coogee Chemicals Pty Ltd have all been charged following an incident in which a Coogee Chemicals employee, delivering caustic soda to the Thunderbox mine, was exposed to a solution containing cyanide and later died. Northern Star Resources faces two charges alleging duty failures that caused the death of a worker. The matter is listed for first mention in the Laverton Magistrates Court on 10 September 2026.

Katanning construction site, August 2024: Dunkeld Construction Pty Ltd has been charged after a worker fell through a roof and died. The matter is listed for first mention in the Katanning Magistrates Court on 14 September 2026.

Bibra Lake auction facility, August 2024: Pickles Auctions Pty Limited has been charged after a member of the public was struck by a tow truck and died. The matter is listed for first mention in the Fremantle Magistrates Court on 7 September 2026.

Maida Vale tree-pruning operation, July 2024: Mr Palmer WA Pty Ltd has been charged in relation to an incident in which a worker died while pruning a tree. The charge alleges a failure to comply with a health and safety duty that exposed the worker to a risk of death, injury or harm. The matter is listed for next mention in the Armadale Magistrates Court on 15 September 2026.

As all matters are currently before the courts, WorkSafe WA has indicated it will make no further comment.