Teen Worker’s Death in WA Sparks Safety Warnings Over Suspended Loads

WorkSafe WA has condemned a company’s safety failures after the death of a teenage worker, saying the employer had been fully aware of the dangers of working under suspended loads but failed to implement proper systems to protect staff.

WorkSafe Commissioner Sally North said there was “no question” the company understood the risks yet had “inadequate systems” in place to manage them. She stressed that all businesses must conduct thorough risk assessments when lifting heavy items, consult with workers, and establish effective controls to reduce the chance of injury or death.

“This was a particularly tragic incident as it involved the death of a very young worker,” North said. The teenager’s death was the fourth workplace fatality in Western Australia or nearby waters within just four weeks in 2023, underscoring what regulators described as a deeply concerning trend.

The tragedy drew strong reactions from unions. Glenn McLaren, assistant state secretary of the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU), said it was extremely rare to see someone so young lose their life on the job.

“In my 25 years as a union official, I’ve never dealt with someone so young losing their life in a workplace,” McLaren said. “Any workplace death is a tragedy, but this one, more so.”

The case has reignited debate about workplace safety standards in high-risk industries, particularly around lifting operations where suspended loads are involved. WorkSafe has repeatedly warned that employers must establish exclusion zones, ensure lifting equipment is properly maintained, and provide adequate training and supervision.

The death of the teenager has become a rallying point for unions and safety advocates, who argue that stronger enforcement and harsher penalties are needed to prevent employers from cutting corners. They say the incident highlights the vulnerability of young and inexperienced workers, who often lack the confidence to speak up about unsafe practices.

WorkSafe has pledged to continue investigating the incident and to push for greater compliance across industries where heavy lifting is routine. Safety experts note that while regulations already exist, systemic failures in planning, supervision, and enforcement remain a recurring problem in workplaces across the state.

The tragedy serves as a stark reminder that workplace safety lapses can have devastating consequences, particularly when young lives are involved.