Western Australia has witnessed the loss of 14 lives in workplace incidents since July 2022. 

Among the victims was a 16-year-old boy from Perth, who lost his life just last week.

The state's largest industry, resources, has been particularly affected, with five fatalities occurring in the Goldfields and Pilbara regions since October 2022. 

The series of tragedies began with the death of a contractor at the Hamlet underground mine, part of the St Ives gold operation owned by South African company Gold Fields near Kambalda. 

Shortly after, another fatality occurred when a MACA worker inside a light vehicle was run over by a large dump truck at Capricorn Metals' Karlawinda gold mine, located 65 kilometers southeast of Newman.

In February 2023, Jody Byrne, a BHP worker, was struck and killed by a locomotive at the company's Boodarie railyard near Port Hedland. 

Michael Jurman from Vertech lost his life at Woodside's North Rankin Complex off the Dampier coast earlier this month, and just recently, Kieren McDowall, a contractor from AAA Asphalt Surfaces, was killed at Mineral Resources' Onslow Iron project.

A comprehensive investigation into the causes of these tragic incidents is currently being conducted by various state and federal regulators. 

The frequency of contractors being involved in these fatalities has raised concerns about workplace safety. 

Michael Quinlan, an expert from the University of New South Wales, says there is a complex chain of command when contractors are employed, often leading to their reluctance to raise health and safety issues due to fear of repercussions.

Brad Gandy, the Australian Workers Union state secretary, says that the mining sector's booming growth and subsequent shortage of skilled workers means inexperienced contractors are filling the void.

Gandy has called for a more proactive approach from both the government and companies to ensure safer working conditions.

Professor Quinlan says some progress has been made in the industry's safety standards, but stressed the need for further improvements. 

He has called for a focus on the recurring circumstances surrounding fatalities, such as falls and vehicle crashes, which often present warning signals.

While the responsibility for mine safety lies with mine operators, WA Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston expressed concern over the recent surge in workplace deaths. 

The government says it has implemented stringent penalties, including jail terms of up to 20 years for individuals and fines of up to $10 million for companies found guilty of industrial manslaughter.

Rebecca Tomkinson, CEO of the state's Chamber of Minerals and Energy, has expressed deep sadness over the five deaths and assured that health and safety remained the utmost priority for the industry. 

The Chamber says it actively encourages knowledge sharing and the adoption of best practices among its members to ensure a safer work environment.