Regulator making headway on recommendations

The industry regulator has completed or commenced action on all of the recommendations made to it by the Queensland Coal Mining Board of Inquiry, according to Chief Inspector of Mines Peter Newman. State Resources Minister Scott Stewart last week announced plans for a Parliamentary Inquiry into how the coal industry has acted on recommendations from the board’s report into the 2020 Grosvenor mine explosion, which seriously injured five workers. The Board of Inquiry made 65 recommendations to the coal mining industry, the Grosvenor operation, the Mining and Energy Union, Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) and the Coal Mining Safety and Health Advisory Committee. Of the 30 recommendations made to RSHQ, Mr Newman said they spanned the development of a critical safety control audit program, the revision of existing - and development of new - recognised standards for polymeric substances, spontaneous combustion and training, support for the continued implementation of recommendations arising from the Brady Fatality Review, revised mines inspector remuneration, and potential legislative changes which would be subject to government consideration. "All recommendations made to RSHQ have been commenced," Mr Newman said. "Five are complete and the remainder are progressing to plan. "Recommendations relating to recognised standards are being developed by working groups which include subject matter experts from industry, workers, and the regulator." Part I of the Queensland Coal Mining Board of Inquiry report, released in late 2020, included recommendations which highlighted the regulator's difficulty in recruiting and retaining inspectors who hold specific statutory competencies. "A properly resourced regulator, comprised of well-qualified personnel, is fundamental to safety in the coal mining industry, so I am pleased that RSHQ was able to work with the Public Service Commission to revise the remuneration scheme which applies to all mines inspectors," Mr Newman said. "I am proud of the capability of my inspectors, who typically bring to RSHQ subject matter expertise in specific mining operations and hazards and receive professional development and training to become experienced regulators.” Mr Newman said while the skills shortage impacting the mining industry was also being felt by RSHQ, applicants were showing interest in joining RSHQ to make a tangible difference to their industry, by improving safety and health outcomes for mine workers. “Regulatory work can be complex, professionally challenging and rewarding. “We are serious about eliminating serious harm and are fortunate to have a team across RSHQ who are committed to this vision. “We are currently in the process of appointing four mines’ inspectors, having completed a recruitment process with the revised remuneration scheme which arose from the Board of Inquiry recommendations.”

Regulator making headway on recommendations

Industry Queensland

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