$7M penalty in first industrial manslaughter conviction

Please attribute the following to a Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) spokesperson:

"The District Court of Queensland has ordered Mastermyne Crinum Operations Pty Ltd to pay a $7 million penalty, with a conviction recorded, in relation to the death of Mr Graham Dawson in 2021. 

RSHQ investigated the incident and presented a brief of evidence to the Work Health and Safety Prosecutor. This was the first time a charge of industrial manslaughter had been made under Queensland’s mining safety and health legislation since it came into effect in 2020.   

In delivering His Honour’s reasons, Judge Clarke said, ‘In my view Mr Dawson’s death was avoidable. It was the defendant’s criminal negligence that contributed significantly to his death.’ Judge Clarke also added ‘No coal mine worker should ever be placed in the perilous position of working under unsupported and unstable roof.’ 

Any worker in the resources industry that is concerned about unsafe practices is encouraged to come forward and report it to RSHQ. Information about making a confidential complaint is available at www.rshq.qld.gov.au."

ENDS

Media contact

Amy McCann
0457 094 250 
media@rshq.qld.gov.au