Boulby Mine death: Managers deny claims job losses affected safety
Safety manager Simon Hunter says safety precautions were in place against gas blows and that a full investigation is underway.
Managers at Boulby Potash Mine have denied claims staff redunancies earlier this year have affected safety at the site.
It comes after the death of 56-year-old John Anderson, who died in the early hours of this morning after a 'gas blow' 1000m underground.
In April this year, seven workers were hospitalised following a fire. They were all unharmed.
Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland MP Tom Blenkinsop told us the redundancies must be seen as 'a factor' in the recent accidents.
He said: "I have raised it as an issue before.
"I've talked to miners, who I won't name, who've raised it as an issue with me.
"In light of the redundancies and with the strong likelihood that more redunancies will be made, it's quite important that it's seen as a factor.
"But I want to allow the Miner Inspectorate to do a proper investigate to find the accurate causes."
At a press conference this afternoon, bosses at ICL, who own the Boulby mine gave more details about the accident.
Safety manager Simon Hunter confirmed that 'gas blows' aren't an uncommon occurance and that all proper precautions were in place.
The mine was on a heightened level of precaution against gas blows when Mr Anderson was killed and had been for 'around a week'.
Mr Hunter said: "Naturally everyone involved with Boulby is affected by this tragic incident.
"First and foremost our thoughts are with John's family and friends and we will be doing everything we can to help and support them through this very difficult time.
"The investigations into the incident have already begun but they are at the very early stage.
"We will be co-operating fully with the Mines Inspectorate in order that we can discover exactly what happened.
"What we do know at this stage there was what we describe as a 'gas blow'.
"A gas blow is a sudden release of gas at exceedly high pressure which also displaces mineral.
"These events are not uncommon and we have procedures in place to ensure safe working, there is no suggestion to say that these procedures were not being followed.
"At this early stage of the investigation it would appear that his particular event was unprecedented.
"Mining has its risks, however safety is always our first priority.
"We have begun an investigation and it is important that this is allowed to run its course."
All operations were suspended at the mine following the accident as part of emergency procedure.
It's believed they'll start up again on Saturday.