WHS charges over incident at Mint (Media release)
24 May 2021
The Royal Australian Mint has been charged with breaching federal work health and safety laws after a three-tonne coin press almost fell on a worker in Canberra.
Following an investigation by regulator Comcare, the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions has filed three charges in the ACT Magistrates Court alleging the Mint failed in its duties under the federal Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS Act).
The incident happened in the basement of the Mint on 3 May 2019. A contractor was moving the coin press with a forklift when the press became unbalanced and fell, narrowly missing a worker standing nearby.
The WHS Act charges include:
- Two Category 2 offences (maximum penalty $1.5 million each) alleging the Mint failed to provide a safe system of work and a safe working environment
- One Category 3 offence (maximum penalty $500,000) alleging the Mint failed to provide the contractor with an adequate Safe Work Method Statement for the transportation of the coin press
The matter is listed for mention in the ACT Magistrates Court on 24 June 2021.
Media Contact: media@comcare.gov.au
0478 305 675
