BHP Blocks Investigation into Death

Date: 03 January 2007

AWU National President & Queensland Secretary Bill Ludwig has condemned BHP Billiton's refusal to allow a full independent occupational, health and safety investigation following the death of 19 year old miner, Daniel Hensler, at BHP Billiton's Cannington Mine located east of Mt. Isa in December 2006.

Mr. Ludwig said that the AWU wrote to BHP Billiton Management on the 18th December 2006, three days after the incident requesting that they allow the union's National OHS Director, Dr. Yossi Berger to carry out the safety investigation as soon as possible.

In their response BHP Billiton have rejected the union's demands for an independent investigation. In the letter received by the union, BHP said that "we do not believe that anything can be usefully added" by involving Dr Berger, who is recognised as a national OHS expert.

Mr. Ludwig said that the AWU is unable to gain access to the site due to the WorkChoices legislation restricting the ability of unions to investigate health and safety risks at workplaces.

"This is a further example of BHP Billiton attempting to avoid any independent scrutiny of this mine after the tragic death of a 19 year old miner. Companies such as BHP Billiton are able to get away with this because of John Howard's unfair and unsafe workplace laws" Mr. Ludwig said.

"It is now easier for people to visit David Hicks at Guantanamo Bay, than for Unions to meet with their members in the workplace to make sure they are safe at work."

Mr. Ludwig said the AWU will be meeting with the Queensland Minister for Mines and Energy to discuss the next steps in forcing BHP to clean up their act and look after the safety of workers.

The AWU will also be convening meetings of AWU members at Cannington Mine to further investigate suspected safety issues at the Mine.

For further information

Union:	The Australian Workers' Union
Phone:	03 8327 0888
Fax:	03 8327 0899
WWW:	http://www.awu.net.au

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