The Queensland Government is set to release new health and safety regulations next year to target the danger of methane gas.
Queensland’s underground coal mines will have to put tighter controls on their methane gas monitoring in line with the reforms.
They will require additional methane monitors in the coal mines when the reform comes into force starting January 6.
Australian Minister for Mines Anthony Lynham said the prevention and early detection of methane related risks were vital to protect workers in Queensland’s nine operating underground coal mines.
“Our reforms have revolutionised the protection, detection and safety net for all current and former mine workers,” Lynham said.
“The resources regulator will continue to work with underground coal mines to ensure these new measures are implemented as soon as possible.”
The reforms came amid Queensland Government’s commitment to improving mineworkers’ safety and health with $35 million in funding, to tighter controls on mine dust levels and $1.21 million in funding for a mobile health screening van to improve black lung and silicosis screening.
The Queensland Government also flagged that there would be more reforms coming in the new year.
It had consulted extensively with unions, the Queensland Resources Council, site senior executives and workers on the coal face, according to Lynham.
“We will remain vigilant in ensuring our reforms continue to have effect because all Queenslanders, especially our mine workers, deserve a safe workplace,” Lynham concluded.