A Broome company has been charged over the 2012 death of a pearl diver off the Kimberley coast of Western Australia.
WorkSafe has charged Paspaley Pearling Company with failing to provide and maintain a safe working environment for its employees.
The prosecution is over an incident on April 14, 2012 in which 22-year-old diver Jarrod Hampton died.
Mr Hampton died on his second day working for the family-owned pearling company.
Paspaley Pearls faces a maximum penalty of $200,000.
WorkSafe WA Commissioner Lex McCulloch said the charge came after an extensive investigation.
“The investigation was a significant and complex one,” Mr McCulloch said.
“WorkSafe conducted a thorough investigation of all the circumstances surrounding the incident, and this prosecution action completes the process.
“The matter is now in the hands of the courts, and WorkSafe will not make any further comment.”
