DSI Underground delegates receive 2023 Yossi Berger Award

When the introduction of a new cutting fluid led to health and safety concerns among staff at DSI Underground in Newcastle, Australian Workers’ Union delegates wasted no time addressing the problem. Their vigilance, leadership and commitment to supporting the health and wellbeing of their colleagues has seen them jointly win the AWU 2023 Yossi Berger Safety Award.

The issue arose when DSI management introduced a new cutting fluid at the workplace in an effort to save costs.

However, while the new fluid may have been cheaper, workers using it began to report health issues including skin irritation and discolouration. AWU delegates Tom Matheson, Michael Ghoulmieh, Andrew Brown, Matthew Shields and Kevin Deas took immediate action, launching an investigation of the new fluid that revealed it to be a hazardous substance, posing risks such as skin and lung cancer. They also discovered that it had been introduced to the site six months previously—without any consultation with the Safety Committee at their workplace.

The delegates utilised the Safety Committee to escalate the matter to the AWU WHS Director, leading to a ban on the hazardous fluid and replacing with a safer alternative. This decisive move significantly improved workplace safety.

DSI senior site delegate Tom Matheson said the incident was a reminder of the importance of workplace safety and the power of collective action.

“No matter where you work, you need to push hard and take a stand to ensure your workmates and colleagues stay safe on the job,” he said.

“Workers in the AWU know they’re in good hands because the union will always put members’ health and safety first.”

DSI Underground delegates with National Secretary Paul Farrow and NSW Branch Secretary Tony Callinan

AWU NSW Branch Secretary Tony Callinan commended the delegates for their proactive approach and dedication to their colleagues’ safety.

“The actions of these delegates not only resolved a significant workplace hazard but also reflect the core values of the AWU—to protect and champion the rights and safety of workers,” he says.

“Nothing is more crucial to the AWU than ensuring that every one of our members gets home safe and well to their families at the end of the day.

“The leadership and commitment of these delegates have been pivotal in creating a safer work environment at DSI and in preventing potential health hazards.”

As well as resolving the immediate safety issue, the delegates conducted a survey to assess the impact on staff and advised affected workers to consult a doctor.

In addition, five new Health and Safety representatives have been elected and will be trained at the AWU national office early next year.

As Tom put it: “This experience has demonstrated that we can’t always rely on management when issues like this arise—instead, we’ve taken control of health and safety at our workplace.”

It’s not the first time DSI Underground staff have been recognised for their solidarity. In November, DSI also won the AWU’s NSW Community Award at the 2023 Delegates Conference, after they raised more than $60,000 for various charities and to sick and injured family members of their workmates.