July 9th, 2016

MEDIA RELEASE

E tū awaits answers as investigation begins into Waihi mining death

The mining union, E tū is supporting workers at Oceanagold Waihi, as the company investigates the death of 29 year old mine worker, Tipiwai Stainton.

Mr Stainton died at the Correnso mine in Waihi last month whilst operating a bogger, or loader underground.

E tū organiser, Myles Leeson has met with the company’s General Manager, Bernie O’Leary and says the union is fully involved with the investigation which got underway this week.

He says the company has brought in an Australian consultant who yesterday concluded interviews with employees who are part of the investigation.

He says he attended those interviews in support of the workers involved.

He says the company is now waiting for reports on the bogger which Mr Stainton was operating at the time of his death.

Myles says part of the site has reopened and “the realities are hitting home for workers.

“They’re back at work and Tip’s not there, so they’re having to deal with that”, he says.

The company will report its findings to Worksafe once its investigation is complete.

Myles says it’s hoped the investigation will reveal exactly what happened “so we can learn the lessons and prevent another tragedy like this one”.

ENDS

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