By 3 News online staff
The Department of Labour’s High Hazard Unit (HHU) is now running at full strength, with roles for six specialist Health and Safety Inspectors filled.
The HHU, which was established last year following recommendations from an independent review of the Department of Labour’s interactions with Pike River, is made up of three mines inspectors, three petroleum and geothermal inspectors, two chief inspectors and administration staff. It aims to ensure mining in New Zealand is as safe as possible.
The Green Party has asked for the public to be made aware of the qualifications held by the HHU inspectors, saying the Government’s track record on mine safety has led to a need for public reassurance.
A statement from the Greens yesterday said the party “questioned whether appropriately qualified staff have been secured, given the Government’s history of underfunding mine safety”.
Green MP Kevin Hague asked Ms Wilkinson to “advise the public of the qualifications and experience of all the High Hazard Unit staff, to restore public confidence in the ability of the Department to ensure safety”.
“There are concerning rumours that the salaries offered to staff in the High Hazards Unit were below industry averages, and certainly this was the case for previous Mines Inspectors,” he says.
Labour Minister Kate Wilkinson says Chief Inspector Mines Gavin Taylor and Chief Inspector Petroleum and Geothermal, Wayne Vernon have “a wealth of experience and represent a coup for the Department of Labour”.
Mr Hague also said the Government could not “sit on their hands” where mine safety was concerned, which Ms Wilkinson’s comments echoed.
Ms Wilkinson says the HHU has been “doing a lot of work around health and safety” while the Department waits for the report from the Royal Commission into the Pike River tragedy, due late this year.
The HHU has recommended a national reporting structure, led by a chief inspector, and more emphasis on auditing health and safety systems.
“Mr Taylor has been visiting all of the country’s underground mines and making recommendations on further safety work they need to undertake,” Ms Wilkinson says.
“Mining is a hazardous activity and we are doing all we can to make sure mining in New Zealand is as safe as possible.”
3 News