The AMWU has condemned BHP Billiton for not ensuring the safety of their workers after a BHP worker at an underground mine in Leinster was trapped 1 000 metres underground last week.

The worker was trapped for 16 hours before rescue crews were able to reach him.

AMWU WA Secretary, Steve McCartney, said that BHP’s appalling lack of action to address safety, despite a string of very serious incidents, showed their priorities are with profit not safety.

“This company makes billions of dollars every year yet can’t guarantee the safety of workers on WA mines,” said Mr McCartney.

“Other WA workers have already died or been injured at work this year under this company’s watch. When will the State Government do something to guarantee the safety of workers at BHP mines?” he said.

“BHP are fast gaining a reputation for putting profit before the lives and livelihoods of WA workers. Workers continue to be at risk at BHP mines yet this company fails to act decisively and appropriately,” he said.

“The Barnett Government must step in to ensure the safety of WA workers by imposing stricter inspections and regulations before more lives are put at risk on BHP mines,” said Mr McCartney.