March 20, 2018
Legislation to improve mine safety – including contractors and workers in small mines – was introduced into State Parliament on Tuesday.
Mines and Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said the Mines Legislation (Resources Safety) Amendment Bill would include increased compliance powers for mine safety and health inspectors.
It would also demand greater transparency and accountability and better safety and health systems from mine operators.
Included in the changes are:
- Increased maximum penalties for breaches of safety and health obligations
- Civil penalties for serious safety and health breaches
- Increased powers to suspend or cancel statutory certificates of competency if holders failed to meet their obligations
- Improved integration of contractor safety and health management in the one single safety and health management system (SHMS) at a mine
- Coal mine ventilation officers will have to hold a certificate of competency after an examination by the Board of Examiners; and minerals ventilation officers will be a statutory position
- A requirement for a SHMS for small opal or gem mines with five or more workers
- Health surveillance of current and former mining workers included in the objects of the Acts, to reflect the importance of identifying occupational health issues early.
“The Department’s mines inspectorate through their investigations have found that one of the causes of an increase in risk is due to contractors not having a full understanding of the SHMS on the mining site,’’ Dr Lynham said.
“The Department will continue to look at ways to improve the safety of our workers by ensuring legislation is effective and contemporary and is continuing to consult with stakeholders.”
