RE ‘‘Mining conditions inhuman’’ (Brian Johnson, Mercury, April 22). At West Cliff mine, the current workings are 500 metres underground and approximately 15 kilometres from entry.
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Modern mining methods make coalmining a much safer occupation than years ago and this, in conjunction with extensive training, means workers can go to work with confidence.
All workers are trained in safety systems, personal and team escape, first aid and basic underground firefighting, with many trained in intricate underground firefighting. We also have the highly trained mines rescue teams stationed at Woonona. (Some of these men were flown to New Zealand to assist in their tragedy.)
As a CFMEU representative at the mine and a former member of one of the safety committees, I can assure relatives of mine workers the BHP management at the mine, the union representatives, the safety committees and the workers work together to ensure everything is as safe as possible.