Inquiry links Hazelwood Mine Fire to local deaths

The Hazelwood Mine Fire had no direct impacts on people other than those living in Victoria’s Latrobe Valley.  Unlike many disasters, no workers died as a direct result of the fire. However the community impacts were severe and according to the Victorian Government’s second volume report released in early December 2015, the mine fire contributed to fatalities in the valley. It is possible that one set of possible prosecutions against the mine’s owner, Engie (formerly GDF Suez), could, and should, involve an occupational health and safety (OHS) prosecution.