BHP sued for unsafe workplace

The State Government is suing BHP Billiton Iron Ore for allegedly not providing a non-hazardous working environment for its employees in Port Hedland.

The Department of Mines and Petroleum launched legal action against BHP in the South Hedland Magistrates Court last week in relation to the death of 52-year-old employee Andrew McLaughlin, who was crushed by a scissor lift in 2008.

Mr McLaughlin was working as an engineering technician at BHP’s Nelson Point railway overhaul workshop at the time the incident occurred.

A father of three, Mr McLaughlin was an employee of the mining giant for 23 years and was also chairman of the North West Regional Gymnastics Association.

A DMP spokesman said the department believed there was a prima facie case against BHP under the Mines Safety Inspection Act.

The offence carries a maximum penalty of $400,000 in the first instance and $500,000 for any subsequent offence.

The case has been adjourned until December 5.