BHP executives face shareholders over two mine deaths

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 02:08 · Archive

BHP bosses faced shareholders over two worker deaths at mines in Chile and Queensland.

BHP held its annual general meeting in Sydney on Thursday, weeks after sacking hundreds of workers and following two mine site deaths. One worker died at a Chilean mine in September and another at a Queensland mine in July. Both were at joint-venture operations.

Shareholders asked whether the deaths had led to pay cuts for BHP executives. Australian Shareholders Association spokesman Nathan Hood questioned how BHP could target zero fatalities at joint ventures where it did not have full control. Chairman Ross McEwan said BHP was the operator of both mines and took absolute responsibility for them. He noted that one death involved a contractor and said BHP was reviewing its contractor arrangements to ensure they matched expectations for employees.

McEwan said BHP's chief executive visited both sites within two days of each death. Internal review reports on fatal incidents are reviewed by BHP's sustainability committee before going to the board. The company has stated its belief that the industry can be 'fatality free'.

How it is being reported

• BHP bosses face shareholders after hundreds of sackings, two worker deathsThe bosses of mining giant BHP have faced questions over recent deaths at two mines and aired their beliefs the industry can be “fatality free”.The West Australian · 22 Oct, 01:51
• BHP bosses face shareholders after hundreds of sackings, two worker deathsThe bosses of mining giant BHP have faced questions over recent deaths at two mines and aired their beliefs the industry can be “fatality free”.Perth Now · 22 Oct, 01:50

In this story: BHP · Ross McEwan · Australian Shareholders Association · Nathan Hood · Chile · Queensland · Sydney

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