A new report into mining and quarrying fatalities was recently released and represents vital information that the resources industry can use to further enhance safety.
The Review of all fatal accidents in Queensland mines and quarries from 2000 to 2019 report, by author and forensic structural engineer Dr Sean Brady, represents a detailed analysis of the fatalities, serious accidents and high potential incidents that have occurred in the Queensland mining and quarrying industries over the last 20 years. It contains information that industry as a whole can use, as well as being a resource that individual operations can use to help them better manage hazards at their own sites.
The report says:
“The 6 fatalities that occurred between July 2018 and July 2019 have been described by some in the industry as evidence of an industry in crisis, but a bleaker assessment is that this is an industry resetting itself to its normal fatality rate.”
The Queensland Resources Council (QRC) Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane said while the mining industry has inherent risk, the industry must always improve the focus on the practical actions that can keep workers safe.
“QRC will now undertake further detailed review of Dr Brady’s findings as a matter of urgency.”
“The Queensland resources industry is determined to remain a leader in safety, and the industry commits to using the findings of Dr Brady’s report to identify new ways to improve safety for all workers.”
The University of Queensland has also released its review of the MQSHA, the associated Mining and Quarrying Safety and Health Regulation 2017 (Qld) (MQSHR), and related guidelines. This is to ensure that the legislative framework is as clear, coherent, current and comprehensive as it can be.