Safe Work Australia Chair, Mr Tom Phillips AM, today announced the commencement of the public comment period for model work health and safety legislation relating to the mining industry.
Safe Work Australia is working in partnership with the Commonwealth, state and territory governments to deliver harmonised work health and safety laws across Australia. This work aims to achieve the best possible approach to safety for all Australian workplaces.
To support the Model Work Health and Safety Act, Safe Work Australia, in conjunction with the National Mine Safety Framework (NMSF), have today released draft model Work Health and Safety Regulations, model Codes of Practice and an Issues Paper for public comment.
Draft model Codes of Practice for mining released for public comment include:
- Work Health and Safety Management Systems
- Managing Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials
- Strata Control for Underground Coal Mines
- Roads and Other Vehicles Operating Areas
- Inundation and Inrush Hazard Management
- Emergency Response for Australian Mines LI>
- Mine records
Further draft model Codes of Practice and a Consultation Regulation Impact Statement will be released on 29 July 2011.
"Regulatory reform is particularly important to the mining industry where the incidence rate of work-related injuries and fatalities is one of the highest of all Australian industries, with 2395 workers’ compensation claims in 2008-09,” said Mr Phillips
“Model work health and safety laws will ensure organisations can comply with one set of laws regardless of the number of states or territories in which they operate. This will ease the burden on business owners operating across the country.”
“The public comment period provides a good opportunity for businesses, industry and workers to express their opinions on key aspects of the mining industry.”
For more information on how to submit comments as part of this process or for more information on the model work health and safety laws, visit www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au.