A fine of $78,000 for mining giant BHP over the death of worker Allan Houston in 2018 is deeply disappointing to Queenslanders who want to see real accountability for deaths and injuries in the industry, the Mining and Energy Union said today.
BHP was today sentenced over the death of Mr Houston at Saraji mine, when he became trapped upside down in a pool of mud after the bulldozer he was operating rolled down a steep embankment in the middle of the night.
BMA (BHP Mitsubishi Alliance) Coal Operations were charged with breaches of statutory health and safety obligations over the death, with investigations finding failures in safety management systems at the mine.
MEU Queensland President Mitch Hughes said the fine was disappointing, along with the Magistrate's comments that BHP's culpability 'was towards the lower end of seriousness.'
"$78,000 is not even a slap on the wrist for Australia's biggest mining company," said Mr Hughes.
"We are pleased that Allan's tragic death has been pursued through the courts. But when the loss of a worker's life results in a fine that hardly equivalent to spare change it is certainly dispiriting.
"This sentencing comes in the same week that we've seen another fatality at a Queensland coal mine.
"While some may see robust safety and health management systems as little more than paperwork, the fact is that rigour and attention to detail must be applied to safe operations in coal mines every minute and every day.
"We have seen too many sad examples of the tragic cost paid by workers and their families when mine operators take their eyes off the ball.
"Allan Houston was an experienced worker and treasured family man and his life was worth far more than the outcome of today's sentencing suggests.
"We will continue our fight to hold mine operators to account over safety on site."
