The Western Australian Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety gathered mine site leaders to talk safety at its fourth annual registered managers forum last week.
Around 150 people were registered this year, ranging from representatives of large mining companies to junior operators.
The forum featured presentations on proposed changes to Western Australia’s work health and safety laws, an analysis of fatal and serious injury data and the department’s regulatory expectations of the industry.
Andrew Chaplyn, Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety director, said, “The forum was an opportunity for mine managers and key decision makers to come together and focus on safety and health.”
The forum highlighted the importance of safety leadership, and managers’ role in setting positive safety cultures.
Chaplyn said, “During the workshop, registered managers were asked to consider the question ‘Is your workforce competent, and how do you know?’
“We wanted to reinforce the importance of verifying the training, supervision and competency of workers in the mining industry, and the responsibility of registered managers to ensure up-to-date site records confirm the competency of their workforce.”
The forum was created as part of the Towards 2020 regulatory vision to create a safe and healthy resources sector in Western Australia.
Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston said, “Workplace safety is one of the McGowan government’s number one priorities, and there are always improvements to be made.
“Workers, supervisors, managers and inspectors all have a role to play in preventing injuries and fatalities on site.”
Further details on the department’s Towards 2020 strategy can be found here.