Mining company to pay $230,000 over death of worker

A coal mining company has been fined $210,000 after a worker was fatally injured while operating a tracked mobile shovel in Western Australia's south.

The worker at the Ewington mine was trying to access the shovel's electrical stop switch, but a hydraulic ladder was activated, causing it to rotate down and pin the employee against a fixed handrail.

Griffin Coal pleaded guilty in Perth Magistrates Court to failing to provide and maintain a safe work environment, causing the death of an employee in April 2018.

The magistrate handed down the fine on Wednesday and also ordered the company to pay $23,000 in court costs.

Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety director of mine safety Andrew Chaplyn said the incident was an important safety reminder.

"WA has a comprehensive code of practice in relation to safeguarding machinery and plant," he said.

"The code specifically warns about crushing hazards, including the risk of a worker being caught between a machine part and a fixed structure.

"This incident highlights the need for mining companies to conduct ongoing risk assessments and to implement the recommended order of control measures, known as the hierarchy of control."