WorkSafe hopes that a recently imposed fine on a Commonwealth contractor will send a strong message to other companies who consider sending inadequately trained and equipped workers into Goldfields desert.
MAX Network was fined $50,000 following a guilty plea for sending two female employees in a car to the remote community of Tjuntjuntjara.
The women were lost in the desert all night and spent the night their until coming across a roadhouse the following day.
WorkSafe commissioner Lex McCulloch stated that employers and staff need to understand the risks of travelling in remote areas.
McCulloch said this case highlights the need to be very vigilant for the many workers who traverse great distances in their daily professions. He added that it is fortunate that the incident did not result in a tragedy. He stated that the situation could have easily ended in a much worse result.
McCulloch said that companies need to assess the risks for remote area work, and develop strategies and manage whatever risks for their adequately trained staff.
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Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-08-16/contractor-fined-50k-over-lost-workers/4202984?section=wa
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