Mine visit important milestone in investigation

31 May 2006

An Australian mining expert has started reviewing the Department of Labour’s investigation into the death of Greymouth miner Robert McGowan in March.

The senior investigator with the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries visited the West Coast yesterday and was taken to the scene of the fatal accident in Black Reef Mine.

The investigator, who has considerable experience in underground and open cast mining, is peer reviewing the investigation into Mr McGowan’s death. His assessment of the investigation and the resultant report is expected to be completed by the end of June.

Department of Labour chief advisor, health and safety Mike Cosman said the orientation visit to the mine with the Australian investigator and the coroner who would rule on Mr McGowan’s death was “invaluable”.

“We were able to see first-hand the scene of this fatality, which considerably aided our understanding of the complex geological conditions in the mine.”

Mr Cosman said the Department’s investigation was drawing to a close, with much of the report assembled for the Australian expert to begin reviewing. His brief was to look at the methodology of the investigation and comment on the robustness of the inquiry. He would also assist in benchmarking the practicable health and safety steps against international practice and comment on the report’s outcomes and recommendations.

The Department made the decision to engage an independent peer reviewer in the very early stages of the investigation, he said.

“Peer reviewing is a normal part of our investigation process. The sensitivities surrounding this case and the desire to benefit from international best practice meant having an Australian expert provide the independent overview was vital.”

To the journalist: please note that health and safety services formerly referred to as Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) should now be referred to as the Department of Labour.