Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Todd Jones, and I’m a Mining and Energy Union Industry Safety and Health Inspector for the South West District. I cover coal mines from Lithgow to Mudgee, as well as assisting for mines in the Illawarra.
When did you start in the mining industry and what was your first job?
I started in the mining industry in 2000 at Springvale Underground near Lithgow. I started on a mechanical apprenticeship, eventually becoming a fitter and step-up operator. In 2013 I became an underground deputy and eventually a relief ISHR, covering the fulltime inspectors when they took leave.
How different is your job now to what you wanted to be when you were a kid?
As a kid I wanted to be a farmer. I remember my dad explaining to me that buying a farm costs a lot of money, and I’d be better off getting a job at the mines because they were the best paying jobs around Lithgow. He was right in the end and I stayed at that first mine for almost 25 years.
What’s a usual day at work entail?
My job varies a lot depending on what’s going on. A typical office day for me involves reading through the notifiable incidents we receive each day from the regulator and mine managers. If there are any incidents in the mines I look after I’ll catalog the report and begin investigating. At least once a week I’ll do a site inspection of a mine, potentially more often if there are incidents that require an inspection.
What’s the best thing about your job?
The variety of places I go and people I meet. Coming from an underground mining background, it was a real eye opener to see how things are done in other operations and at open cuts. Also, nothing feels better than improving the safety standards and conditions for other mine workers.
The worst thing?
It’s not surprising, but attending incidents is the worst part about my job. It’s the worst feeling to get a call in the middle of the night from a mine manager or delegate where you’re praying to hear the words “no one got hurt.”
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome?
Locking down all the safety legislation, which you have to know back to front. I’m also doing a lot more public speaking, which is its own challenge.
What’s something about your job that would surprise people to know?
How much driving we do! I’ve put 38,000kms on the work ute since I got it in November.
What’s your best advice for people entering the industry?
Listen to the experienced workers on your crew and keep an eye out for each other. We’ve lost a bit of that over the years, when I started the crew looked out for you and gave you most of your safety advice. It could seem like they’re having a go sometimes, but they’re just looking out for your health and safety. I always tell new starters that there’s no such thing as a stupid question, if you don’t know something don’t be afraid to ask.
The mining industry gets more than its fair share of criticism. What is your view of our industry and the impact it has?
At the moment coal is a bit of a dirty word, but it has built this state and trickles down to through the economy. We have also led the way for safety standards in all workplaces, not just mines.
