No one knew the inherent dangers of mining more than Paul 'Chook' Phillips.
An industry veteran, Mr Phillips worked at pits across the Hunter and in Queensland.
He knew hundreds of miners, some of whom tragically died on the job.
On Sunday, Mr Phillips was also remembered among the fallen at the 29th annual memorial service at Aberdare.
"He knew all the ins and outs of mining, even the sections that had nothing to do with him," Mr Phillips' son Travis said.
"He certainly understood the seriousness of it (safety). What happened to him should never happen to anyone."
Mr Phillips died at the Wambo United mine near Singleton when he was hit by a reversing mobile unit on August 3.
The accident is the subject of a Resource Regulator investigation.
Travis said his father had regarded the memorial service as an opportunity to reflect on mine safety and the wellbeing of his colleagues.
"He was very well known throughout the drill and blast industry; he had quite a reputation," he said.
"He took his work extremely seriously so that everyone would be safe."
Mr Phillips' name has been added to the Jim Comerford Memorial Wall, which records the 1794 names of those who have lost their lives in Hunter mines over more than two centuries.
"Behind every name on this wall is a person who went to work and never came home, and a family and community who had to live with that loss," MEU Northern Mining and NSW Energy District president Robin Williams said.
"Memorial Day connects the history of our industry with the responsibility we carry today. Mining has changed enormously over generations, but the fundamental promise to every mineworker must be the same: you should be able to go to work and return safely to the people who love you."
This year's service featured the longstanding commemorative traditions the Mineworkers' Pipe Band and the lighting of the miners' safety lamp.
Families and representatives from across the mining community also placed floral tributes on the black granite memorial wall.
This year was also the 150th anniversary of the introduction of the world's oldest continuous worker-elected safety system in Hunter mines.
Inspired by worker-elected check inspectors in Britain, early coal mining unions in the Hunter Valley campaigned for the same system in Australia.
On May 11, 1876 - 150 years ago - NSW became the second jurisdiction in the world to legislate worker-elected check inspectors through the Coal Mines Regulation Act.
Elected by their workmates, the check inspectors raised safety concerns and acted as an independent authority for workers. Crucially, they had the power to stop work where conditions were unsafe.
Ben Phillips is holding a Beyond Blue fundraiser on Saturday, October 17, from 6pm at Gosford Golf Club..
Tickets are $25 per person and include food and entertainment, with funds raised in support of Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636.
