Incidence and causes of fatalities in mining industry to be reviewed

9/9/97

Mines Minister Norman Moore said today he was gravely concerned at the spate of fatal accidents in the mining industry.

As a result, he had directed the chairman of the Mines Occupational Safety and Health Board (MOSHAB) to convene a special meeting to investigate.

Mr Moore said it was imperative that MOSHAB review the incidence and causes of fatalities over the past three years.

"In taking this action, I am conscious of the range of initiatives and activities already in place across the industry," he said.

"But nothing can have a greater priority than working to develop effective strategies to prevent further loss of life.

"My concern is heightened by the fact that these tragic events have taken place against a background of marked and sustained improvement in workplace safety across the whole industry."

Mr Moore said there was no doubt that much had been done to implement a framework for improved safety performance in the Western Australian mining industry.

"We have excellent and up-to-date legislation which was developed in full consultation with the industry and unions," he said.

"The legislation is completely consistent with the Occupational Safety and Health Act, which applies to industry in general."

The Minister said he was fully aware of many of the initiatives, developed within the industry and by the Department of Minerals and Energy, to promote and continuously improve safety in mining in WA.

"I have strongly supported these initiatives," he said.

"However, I cannot accept the loss of life that has occurred over the past months."

Mr Moore said industry management already had embraced the concept that all injuries were preventable.

"However, the challenge ahead is to combine our commitment, technology and will to the purpose of eliminating all deaths, and particularly those caused by rock falls," he said.

The Minister said he would seek to have the findings and recommendations of MOSHAB translated into an action plan to be adopted and implemented throughout the mining industry.

Media contacts:

Lisa Holland-McNair, Department of Minerals and Energy, (08) 9222 3572

Hartley Joynt, Minister's office, (08) 9321 1444