Changes in mining have occurred since moving from the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1984 to the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act WA 2020 and the Work Health and Safety (mines) Regulations WA 2022. The most significant changes have come from the new statutory positions that mine sites are required to hold.
These changes ensure that persons in positions of seniority in mine sites have a good understanding of key information in regards to safety and risk management.
Mine sites that are affected include gold mining, lithium mining, Nickel mining, coal mining, exploration work, quarry work, underground mining and any type of mining that works to the WHS (mines) Regulations WA 2022.
Each mine site must have a statutory position where relevant for the following:
- – Site Senior Executive
- – Exploration Manager
- – First Class Mine Manager (non-coal)
- – First Class Mine Manager (coal)
- – Quarry Manager
- – Authorised Mine Surveyor Grade 1
- – Authorised Mine Surveyor Grade 2
- – Underground Ventilation Officer
- – Radiation Officer
- – Underground Supervisor (non-coal)
- – Underground Supervisor (coal)
- – Restricted Quarry Manager
- – Statutory Supervisor
- – Mine Air Quality Officer
- – Noise Officer
- – Electrical Supervisor
Mine sites are also required to have a Mines Safety Management System (MSMS) that includes specific plans and information to that site. It is important that you have covered all aspects of your MSMS effectively to prevent potential liability.
All Mine sites will have to comply with all these changes before the current extension date of 30 March 2026. After this date the transition period will close and mine sites will need to have all their documentation in place and relevant statutory people appointed and qualified.
WHS Consulting have good expertise in these areas and can be contacted if your business needs assistance in these areas.