Rio firm to be sentenced over worker death

A Rio Tinto subsidiary has admitted failing to provide a safe working environment after the death of an employee at a West Australian mine.

Brent Glew died in August 2011 while working in the mobile equipment maintenance workshop at the Brockman 2 mine.

He was removing a tilt cylinder from a loader when he was fatally crushed.

Pilbara Iron Company (Services) Pty Ltd pleaded guilty in the Perth Magistrates Court on Tuesday to failing to provide a working environment at a mine where employees are not exposed to hazards.

Sentencing has been scheduled for September 21.