PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The Queensland Parliament has backed changes to the Coal Mining Safety and Health Act, and the Mining and Quarrying Safety and Health Act, giving the state’s mine inspectors more power to directly take action on health and safety issues.
The amendments to the legislation will see miners face maximum penalties of close to A$4-million for failing to keep workers safe, while mine inspectors will be able to fine mine operators up to A$130 550 without taking them to court.
Resources Minister Dr Anthony Lynham told Parliament on Wednesday that the changes reflected the government’s strong position that non-compliance with safety and health obligations would not be tolerated.
“This helps to protect those who work, day after day managing the unique hazards and risks of mining, and the social fabric of families and communities around our mining workers,” Lynham said.
“It also helps to bolster the reputation of the mining industry, which forms a substantial part of Queensland’s economic prosperity.”
The changes to the legislation will also require more upskilling and training of on-site safety specialists.
“This Bill is another important step towards ensuring all workers in Queensland get home safely to their families at the end of every working day,” Lynham said.
“Mine sites have transformed significantly in the last 20 years, with more automation and technology and more specialist contractors from numerous companies on site at any one time to manage these systems.
“Queensland’s mining safety legislation is considered among the best in the world, but to uphold our track record, we need to ensure it remains contemporary and reflects the risks of a modern mine site.”