Worksafe is defending the fines levelled at a mining company following the death of a worker.

Michael Johnson died in 2020 when he drove over the edge of a void, at the Whirling Dervish underground gold mine near Kalgoorlie; he fell 25 metres to his death.

Two mining companies and a supervisor have been fined a collective $1.5 million over the incident.

His family says the fines are “ridiculous”, but Acting Work Safe Commissioner Sally North told Gary Adshead on 6PR Mornings they’re adequate.

Press PLAY to hear more about the controversial decision