December 12, 2012

EPMU welcomes Pike River implementation plan

The EPMU is welcoming the Pike River implementation plan released today by the Government today.

EPMU assistant national secretary Ged O’Connell says the plan is good news for miners and their families.

“Mine safety is a matter of life and death for our members, so we are pleased to see the Government recognises the importance of implementing the Royal Commission’s recommendations without reservation or delay.

“This plan is comprehensive, it’s inclusive and we believe it provides a positive framework for getting the decisions right. The involvement of stakeholders is encouraging and we would like to see unions and the community consulted on all recommendations.

“The decision to widen the scope of the recommendations to include opencast mining is sensible and shows the lessons of Pike River apply in other high hazard industries and indeed for health and safety in New Zealand generally.

“The makeup of the expert reference group on mining safety and regulation is also welcome, as it includes significant expertise from Queensland, which has world’s best practice in mine safety.

“The EPMU looks forward to working with the Government to implement the Royal Commission’s recommendations.”

The EPMU is the union for New Zealand miners and has been campaigning for improved mine safety since the 1990s.

ENDS

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