This paper reflects on personal experiences in the underground mining industry over four decades, with an emphasis on the approaches and techniques used to reduce the number of lives lost, and their effectiveness. Some of these have been complex whilst others appear simple. Some are influenced by culture which may create shortfalls in those systems. Different trends and positive initiatives, including technology, have brought the industry to a better position on many fronts. Most people recognise the improvements in statistics (both Lost Time Injury and All Injury Frequency Rates). At the same time, has the number of people who have lost their lives in mines reduced commensurately? In an ever-changing world, the solutions in the future will be different, as technology (and risks) change. Is the industry as safe as it can be and where is it likely to go in the future?