TO coincide with industry consultation on the Queensland Mine Safety Framework Regulatory Impact Statement, the state government is opening the floor for discussion at a series of regional health and safety forums.

Hosted by Queensland Commissioner for mine safety and health Steward Bell and chief inspector of coal mines Gavin Taylor, the forums will target local employees, mine managers and site safety representatives from Queensland mines and quarries.

“The inspectors in my Department’s Mine Safety Inspectorate are concerned that our mine safety laws keep up with the influx of new workers in the mining industry and it’s time to implement reforms that reflect the changing workforce,” natural resources and mines minister Andrew Cripps said.

“For example, the coal sector workforce has increased from 9,000 workers in 2000 to 39,000 in 2012, with the bulk of that increase experienced in the last four years.

“The reforms in this RIS will help protect these new workers and help to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities that occur each year in our mining industry.”

The forums commenced on Monday, 16 September in Brisbane, and remaining destinations include Dysart, Middlemount, Mount Isa, Emerald, Blackwater and Moura.

About the proposal:

The Queensland Mine Safety Framework Regulatory Impact Statement was developed following consideration of 28 submissions received in response to a 2012 consultation paper circulated to the mining industry about the review of Queensland’s mine safety and health laws.

Industry stakeholders have 60 days to lodge submissions about the issues outlined in the Queensland Mine Safety Framework Regulatory Impact Statement.

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