Safety Locked Out

The Australian Manufacturing Workers wants right of entry laws strengthened after health and safety inspections were repeatedly blocked at a rural NSW mine site.

Union safety representatives were finally allowed on the West Wyalong mining and construction project last week, but only after being stalled for about a month by management.

AMWU state secretary Paul Bastian said when the union approached the company, John Holland Engineering, it was told to supply a list of complaints and the company "would deal with them".

The union later advised the company of its legal requirement to allow union access and gave 24 hours notice of a safety inspection.

"But when we fronted up the gates were locked," Bastian said.

Complaints about the site ranged from mandatory OHS consultation not taking place to bullying and harassment.

Bastian said the incident was a blatant attempt by the company to whittle away workers' rights.

"Unions fought long and hard for these rights," Bastian said.

"The intent of the legislation was clear - we must be able to act quickly to prevent injury to workers."

The AMWU has sought to meet with NSW Industrial Relations Minister John Della Bosca to raise their concerns.

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Last modified: Tuesday, 15-Nov-2005 20:37:35 EST