WA: FMG plead not guilty to causing cyclone deaths

AAP General News (Australia)
12-10-2008
WA: FMG plead not guilty to causing cyclone deaths

The Fortescue Metals Group and its contractors at a railway construction camp in Western
Australia's Pilbara have pleaded not guilty to causing the death of two workers during
a cyclone.

Lawyers for eight companies have appeared in the Perth Magistrates Court .. and pleaded
not guilty to 49 charges including failing to provide a safe workplace .. properly instructing
and training workers .. and designing and building cyclone proof buildings.

The construction camp .. 100km south of Port Hedland .. was part of a multi billion
dollar development by FMG when the cyclone hit in March last year.

Perth mother of two .. 47 year old DEBRA TILL .. a kitchenhand for the property and
maintenance services company Spotless P&F Pty Ltd .. was killed.

And 42 year old CRAIG ALLAN RAABE of Gympie in Queensland .. an employee of Len Buckeridge's
BGC Contracting .. also died.

The matters will be listed for a trial date in February next year and up to 39 witnesses
are expected to be called to give evidence.

AAP RTV jp/bd/ah/crh

KEYWORD: FMG (PERTH)

2008 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.