Hazelwood mine operator charged for 2014 fire

The operator of the Hazelwood power station and mine in Victoria’s Latrobe Valley has been allegedly charged with 10 workplace safety breaches by WorkSafe Victoria following the devastating fire which took hold in the Hazelwood open-cut coalmine on 9 February 2014.

GDF SUEZ Australian Energy (GDFSAE) is facing charges over breaches of the OHS Act 2004 in relation to preparedness for the fire, including failing to maintain a workplace that was safe and without risks to health, and failing to ensure that people other than its employees were not exposed to risks to their health and safety.

The Victorian Government had called for an inquiry into the fire, which greatly affected the local Morwell community, as it burned for several weeks.

GDFSAE said in a statement that it is “reviewing, and intends to vigorously defend, the charges laid by WorkSafe”.

WorkSafe said it would not make any further comment as the matter is now before the Court.

WorkSafe has also completed its investigation into alleged breaches of the OHS Act by the Country Fire Authority, the Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board and the Fire Services Commissioner in relation to risks to firefighters from exposure to carbon monoxide and contaminated water during the early stages of the coalmine fire.

WorkSafe said after a review of all the available evidence it has determined that each party took steps that were reasonably practicable to protect the health and safety of their employees and others.

As a result, no further action will be taken.

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Image credit: ©Keith Pakenham, CFA