WorkSafe has issued a reminder to mine operators of the requirements to regularly review, and, if necessary, revise their safety management system and major mining hazard safety assessments.
Operators of prescribed mines have a duty to establish and implement a safety management system and includes doing a comprehensive and systematic safety assessment for each of the major mining hazards identified at a mine site. This requirement also applies to tourist mines.
A ‘major mining hazard’, means a mining hazard that has the potential to cause an incident that would cause, or pose a significant risk of causing, more than one death. The OHS Regulations (Regulation 400) outline all relevant mining hazards. When completing a safety assessment, prescribed mine operators should refer to this list when determining what major mining hazards are present at their site.
A review of a mine’s safety management system must occur at least every three years, or sooner if any mine modification is made or there has been a mining hazard incident. Safety assessments must also be included as a part of the review.
WorkSafe provides information and resources for operators of mining activities, including a guide for conducting safety assessments, details of the duties of mine operators, and comprehensive guidance for establishing and implementing mine safety management systems. For everything mining and quarry related go to the WorkSafe Mining and Quarries page.
HSRs can find information about the applicable OHS Regulations at our OHS Reps Mines page, with links to self-assessment tools for risk and emergency management, and information about fatigue and consultation on our Mining page.
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