Mines and Petroleum Minister Norman Moore extended his congratulations to the industry.

“This is a very significant achievement and one the WA resources industry should look to emulate in each and every year ahead,” he said.

With the states mining and oil and gas sector in WA growing, it’s understood there are about 98,000 workers employed in the industry.

Moore said the milestone was a result of the high safety standards being enforced by the WA’s Department of Mines and Petroleum, in combination with operators and companies adopting a strong safety culture.

Moore linked the DMP’s decision to implement the Reform and Development at Resources Safety strategy back in 2010 as playing a key role in the achievement.

“The strategy has helped to create an environment where companies, workers and the wider community are working together to ensure higher standards and better safety cultures,” he added.

“Regulation has also been strengthened with 13 safety inspectors employed in 2012 – joining WA’s 63-member inspector team, which annually carries out around 2400 site visits.”

While Moore applauded the first fatality-free year since records began in 1896, he reminded regulators that this should not mean a lax attitude towards safety.

“One swallow does not make a summer, so the challenge now is to ensure safety continues to have the highest priority across the industry,” he said.

According to DMP data, 2000 was the worst year for fatalities on record for the 21st century, with seven deaths recorded.

Record show 2009 was also a horror year after six fatalities took place.