ONGOING investigations into fatalities at BHP Billiton iron ore sites earlier this year will delay any potential action against the company despite the recent release of a State Government-commissioned report into the incidents.
The Government has foreshadowed some reform to Western Australia’s occupational health and safety on mine sites following the release of the Ritter Report, but investigations are continuing into the three separate fatalities that occurred on BHPBIO sites.
Four statutory investigations into the fatalities under the Mines Safety and Inspection Act have been commissioned in addition to BHPB’s internal investigations.
According to the Department of Industry and Resources, a report into a fatality at BHPB’s Nelson Point operations has been finalised and has gone to the Office of the State Coroner.
However, a spokesperson for the coroner’s court in Port Hedland said it could be at least three months before a decision was taken whether to hold a coronial inquest into the death.
A police investigation into the death is still ongoing.
The department is in the process of finalising its investigation into a fatality at BHPB’s Orebody 25 operations before it goes to the coroner.
The remaining two inquiries into the fatality at BHPB’s $3 billion Boodarie Iron Plant in Port Hedland are not expected to be finalised for some time.
No announcement date has been set relating to the investigation because the analysis of a technical Section 45 report, ordered by the State Mining Engineer, will take considerable time, according to the department.
The Ritter Report contains 32 recommendations, most of which related to BHPBIO and the way government regulated mines safety.
BHPBIO has been asked to prepare an action plan that addresses each of the recommendations, which the company has agreed to.
The Government has also appointed a panel to advise on changes necessary to the Mines Safety Inspectorate Act and Regulations.
Meanwhile, BHPB has appointed Houston-based Ian Ashby as president and chief operating officer of its WA iron ore operations.
Mr Ashby will report to the currently Perth-based BHPBIO president, Graeme Hunt, who is being transferred to Melbourne to take on a more global role.
