BHP resumes operations following fatality

Work is slowly getting back under way at BHP's WA iron ore mines following the death of a 51-year-old employee on Tuesday.

A spokesperson for BHP confirmed on Thursday evening that operations had gradually restarted following a 24-hour ‘safety stop’.

The group said the downtime was used for teams to support each other and reflect and refocus on safety.

Fifty-one year old Port Hedland resident Jody Byrne was killed on Tuesday evening when he was hit by a locomotive at a BHP rail yard in Boodarie.

WorkSafe said Mr Byrne had died at the scene.

BHP, WorkSafe and The Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator are continuing their investigations to determine what happened.

“Operations at BHP’s WA iron ore sites have gradually re-started today [February 9], following a 24-hour safety stop that teams used to support each other and reflect and refocus on safety,” a spokesperson said.

“Rail operations are preparing to restart.”

BHP WA iron ore asset president Brandon Craig has described Mr Byrne as a respected and valued member of the team and community. 

“Jody joined BHP in 2013 and worked in our Queensland coal and WA iron ore teams. He lived in Port Hedland with his wife Maxine. Jody is survived by his wife, three daughters and four grandchildren," Mr Craig said. 

“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Jody’s family and friends, and we are providing all the support we can to them during this difficult time."