A union mine is a safe mine

Date: 12 April 2010

The WA State government must recognise that BHP mines in this state have a very poor safety record, AWU West Australia Branch Secretary, Stephen Price , said today.

 “ If nothing is done soon we face the possibility of record disasters because of the rapid expansion about to hit this state  - as the resource sector goes into top gear.

Chase for profits not at expense of workers' lives

 “ The chase for profits, in the coming mining boom, should not be at the expense of mine workers’ lives,”  Stephen Price warned.

“ Giving our members a real voice in their workplaces  is an important first step for good safety standards.

“ We’ve always known that a union mine is a safe mine – unfortunately BHP just refuses to learn that lesson.

BHP should stop fighting union workers and build a co-operative culture

“ The company should stop fighting its union workers, and look to build a more co-operative culture if we are to ensure that workers can return home safely to their families after their shift ends.”

The AWU has had initial contact today with BHP over the Perseverance Nickel mine incident where a 45 year old family man has been killed. The union expects to have further meetings with the company.

“ At this stage we know we need to look at the failure of systems which resulted in this incident occurring,” Stephen Price said.

Safety at BHP mines a decade old concern for workers and AWU

BHP’s safety record has concerned workers and the AWU for some time. Last year BHP miners were trapped in an underground rock fall – twice – in the span of three weeks in June.

“ A report on these 2009 incidents  has yet to be released. We need more transparent and public accountability if the resource sector is to work together to build a safe work culture ,” Stephen Price said.

The AWU has been critical of BHP’s safety culture over a decade of incidents in Western Australia. Neither the company nor the state government have been ready to create the open dialogue which is the basis of a safe work culture, the AWU leader said.

For further information

Contact:	Stephen Price
Union:	AWU WA Branch Secretary
Contact Mobile:	0417 006 101
WWW:	http://www.awu.net.au/

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