In the Queensland resources sector, a safety initiative called the Safety Reset is reminding duty holders and workers of their right to stop work if it's not safe.
The theme for Queensland’s Safety Reset is ‘If it's not safe or you're unsure – stop!’ with a campaign empowering workers to recognize unsafe situations, halt work, and report the issue.
The initiative was introduced in 2019 after a series of fatalities in the mining and quarrying industry.
A forensic engineer subsequently identified a ‘fatality cycle’ of ‘increasing and decreasing vigilance’
The goal is to foster a reporting culture and maintain safety awareness, even during smooth operations, to prevent injuries. The Safety Reset will take place throughout National Safe Work Month, covering various industries in the resources sector.
Worth noting: every individual worker has the right to refuse to perform dangerous work. Workers have this right under the Common Law Contract of Employment.
Check out our Right to Refuse Unsafe Work webpage to learn more.