The Western Australian government has launched a new Code of Practice aimed at preventing serious accidents and fatalities on mine sites by establishing comprehensive road and traffic management standards.
The newly published Code of Practice: Road and traffic management at Western Australian mines delivers practical guidance for mine operators to identify and mitigate hazards involving heavy vehicles, mobile machinery, and ground workers.
Under Western Australia’s Work Health and Safety Act 2020, road and traffic management are classified as a principal mining hazard due to its potential to cause severe workplace injuries and multiple fatalities.
The new framework was developed directly in response to a history of serious traffic incidents, near misses, and fatal accidents across the state’s resource sector.
The code promotes a systematic, risk-based strategy to help operations construct site-specific traffic management plans.
Key operational areas covered include haul road design and ongoing maintenance, speed management, strict vehicle and pedestrian separation, worker training and supervision, and the selection and operation of powered mobile plant.
“Road and traffic incidents at mine sites can have devastating consequences, and this Code was developed in response to incidents, near misses and fatalities that have occurred across the industry,” said Industrial Relations Minister Simone McGurk.
“Every worker deserves to return home safely at the end of their shift, and this newly published Code provides practical guidance to help mining operations better manage one of the industry’s most significant safety risks.”
Developed following public consultation and shaped with input from the Mining and Petroleum Advisory Committee, industry representatives, and key stakeholders, the code serves as an approved benchmark for regulatory compliance under Western Australian law.
McGurk added that with mining serving as a cornerstone of the state economy, the state government will continue working alongside industry leaders to elevate safety standards and ensure all resources operations remain safe, healthy, and productive.
