Have your say on model WHS legislation for the mining industry

Safe Work Australia Chair Tom Phillips AM has announced the commencement of the public comment period for model work health and safety legislation relating to the mining industry. To support the model Work Health and Safety Act, Safe Work Australia, in conjunction with the National Mine Safety Framework (NMSF), have released draft model codes of practice for public comment.

Draft model codes of practice released include: survey and drafting directions for mine surveyors; mine closure; ground control for underground mines; health monitoring in mining; ventilation of underground mines; ground control in open pit mines; underground winding systems; draft model work health and safety regulations; codes of practice and issues paper are also available for public comment.

Further draft model Regulations, Codes of Practice and an Issues Paper released for public comment on 15 July 2011 are available to view on the Safe Work Australia Website. “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 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 is 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 a comment or for more information on the model work health and safety laws, visit www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au.