Union thankful no one killed at Varanus Island

AWU members at the Varanus Island gas explosion site in Western Australia have told their union that many of the workers believe it was more by luck than good management that no one was killed.

" Our members tell us they believe that the 150 people on the Island at the time of the explosion were protected ... almost by accident.

Union members want AWU health and safety experts on site

" Union members have contacted the AWU office and asked our OHS Unit to come on site. They want to be provided with independent advice about the accident and how to avoid future incidents.

" From the information we have been supplied with at this moment it is clear the incident could have had some very serious consequences for AWU members," Stephen Price said.

AWU offers constructive partnership - but unions refused entry

" We are appealing to the WA Premier to ensure that the workers' have a strong voice on site.

" We want to build a constructive partnership, to ensure we find out the reason for this blast - and find ways of avoiding it in the future.

" OHS should be a joint effort if it is to be effective.

" Joint investigations after serious events helps ensure transparency and the workforces' confidence that finding solutions to life-threatening incidents will be taken seriously.

One of the best people available for accident analysis on AWU staff

Dr Berger, the head of the AWU national OHS Unit, who is acknowledged by all sides to have expert knowledge when it comes to major hazards in this industry. "

Dr Berger has been involved in analysing serious OHS incidents across Australia - including unfortunately well-know workplace crises at Moomba in South Australia, Beaconsfield in Tasmania , Longford in Victoria and Cannington in Queensland.