Queensland Minister for Resources and Critical Minerals Scott Stewart has unveiled the results of an industry-wide survey aimed at assessing the safety reporting culture within Queensland’s mining sector.
Conducted for the first time, the survey gathered feedback from over 7500 mine workers to identify areas of strength and opportunities for improvement.
Presenting the findings at the Curragh and Oaky Creek mines in Central Queensland alongside Interim Commissioner for Resources Safety and Health, Andrew Clough, Minister Stewart highlighted the importance of the survey in understanding and enhancing safety practices in the mining industry.
The survey revealed several strengths in the industry, including a strong sense of teamwork and mutual support among workers for safe practices. Frontline leaders were noted for encouraging teams to report safety concerns and take appropriate actions when faced with unsafe conditions.
However, the survey also identified areas for improvement.
These include the need for clearer and more user-friendly reporting systems, enhanced feedback mechanisms to workers regarding incident outcomes, better recognition of positive safety behaviours, and increased involvement of frontline workers in safety initiatives.
Stewart emphasised the significance of continuous improvement in safety reporting culture, stating: “There are always more opportunities to improve safety reporting culture which is why this survey is important.”
QLD Resources Safety and Health Acting Commissioner Andrew Clough echoed this sentiment, noting that the survey establishes a baseline for safety reporting behaviours in mines and sets a benchmark for future improvements.
He highlighted that the review was conducted in cooperation with industry committees and would guide future research and initiatives for enhancing safety in the sector.
The survey, conducted by the Commissioner for Resources Safety and Health in collaboration with industry advisory committees, marks a significant step toward ensuring a safer working environment for Queensland’s mining industry.
The full report is available here.
