Friday, August 1, 2014

1/08/2014: Australian pearl company charged with workplace death after a two year delay faces only a fine

A Western Australian pearl company has been charged by Worksafe WA with one count of failing to provide and maintain a safe working environment, two years after the death of one of its divers.

The family-owned company, Paspaley Pearling, has been criminally charged by Worksafe WA for the workplace death and faces a maximum penalty of Aus$200,000 under the Occupational Safety and Health Act.


Twenty-two-year-old Jarrod Hampton drowned on his second day working for Paspaley Pearling as a drift diver off Western Australia's Kimberley coast in April 2012.


Mr Hampton was collecting shells from the sea bed while being towed underwater, but made an emergency ascent to the surface on April 14. Crew members attempted to help him, but he died at the scene. An investigation found his death was consistent with drowning.


The Darwin-based company was charged by Worksafe WA yesterday and the case is expected to be heard in the Broome Magistrates Court later this year. Criticism has been leveled for the delay in the investigation and for the lack of harder hitting legislation.


Read more HERE.

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