Injuries: "Entitlement Fears" to Blame

Workers fears over losing their entitlements have been scapegoated for a jump in injuries at a Tasmanian mine.

There was a significant increase in injuries at the Zinefex mine at Rosebery and mine manger Fran Burgess says the reason was uncertainty over the mine's future.

"They were very concerned about their entitlements; it reflected in their behaviour," says Burgess.

The explanation has been rejected by the union representing the miners, who have pointed to lack of staff, long shifts, heat and lack of ventilation as being major safety problems.

"It's ridiculous to tie the entitlements issue to the injuries," says Ian Wakefield, Tasmanian secretary of the Australian Workers Union (AWU). "What did the company do to alleviate their concerns?"

"They need to look at the real causes of these incidents."

Mine workers want shifts reduced from twelve to ten hours to address concerns over fatigue related injuries.

The mine went through a period of retrenchment that saw approximately 20 workers laid off from a workforce of 160. The loss of the staff has placed greater pressure on the remaining workforce.

A survey by the mine company of employees showed that just on half of all the miners did not always feel safe at work.

There were 100 injuries recorded at the Zinc mine in February, 95 in March and 80 in April of 2004.

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