State Government and BHP Billiton reach agreement on safety review

25/5/04
The State Government and BHP Billiton have reached agreement to hold an independent review of health and safety practices at the company's Western Australian iron ore operations.
The agreement was reached today during a meeting between State Development Minister Clive Brown and Graeme Hunt, BHP Billiton Iron Ore president.
Mr Brown said the review would consider the findings of existing inquiries into recent accidents at BHP Billiton's Pilbara sites and would also provide a forum to discuss broader occupational health and safety issues.
The Minister said while agreement had been reached to hold the review, he would consult a broad range of stakeholders, including the company and the union movement, before finalising the terms of reference for the review.
He will also meet with the Chamber of Minerals and Energy to discuss safety issues in the broader industry.
"The resources sector is important to the State's economy, but nothing is more important than ensuring that workers return home safely at the end of their working day," he said.
"While the WA resources sector has improved its health and safety performance, there remains a need to constantly focus on ways of ensuring workplaces are free from serious accidents and fatalities.
"Again, I offer the Government's condolences and sympathy to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives and those who have been injured."
Minister's office: 9222 9699