State backs tougher mine dust standards

The State Government has committed to tighter coal mine dust controls, pledging to match new national recommended standards set to be released this year. Mines Minister Anthony Lynham told parliament the State Government would back Safe Work Australia’s proposal to reduce the occupational exposure limit for respirable coal dust to 1.5mg per cubic metre. “The simplest way to prevent occupational lung diseases like black lung is to protect our miners from mine dust through the effective use of engineering controls,” Dr Lynham said. “As Queenslanders gather at Moura (September 19) for Miners Memorial Day, they have an assurance that this government will support the lower workplace exposure standards that Safe Work Australia recommends.” The current occupational exposure limit for respirable coal dust is 2.5mg per cubic metre. CFMEU Mining and Energy Division Queensland president Stephen Smyth said the union had compiled a database of over 120 mine dust disease victims in Queensland. "Sadly, this is just the tip of the iceberg, and there are many more victims of mine dust diseases that we don’t even know about," he said. Mr Smyth said CFMEU Mining & Energy had been arguing for a greater focus on prevention to stop workers from being exposed to dangerous levels of dust. Strong enforcement needed, says union "The measures announced by the State Government are a step in the right direction. The Minister has recognised the problem and is genuinely committed to doing something about it," he said. "It is important, however, that new standards are effectively policed. "Mining companies simply can be trusted to play by the rules, so it’s up to the State Government to ensure mine operators are complying with their requirements. We need strong enforcement by the regulator on this issue. Levels need to be reduced now not wait. "That means ensuring the safety regulator is properly resourced and functioning effectively." The CFMEU and the Black Lung Victims Group have been arguing for mining companies to contribute a one cent per tonne, per week, levy into an Industry Assistance Fund. This fund would provide life-long health care and management for victims at accessible health facilities throughout regional Queensland, as well as paying for medical equipment and other support to help them manage their dust disease illnesses. "Coal mining companies are generating enormous profits," Mr Smyth said. "In fact, the State Government expects to receive $4.26 billion in royalties from coal in 2019-20. A small fraction of this amount directed into an Industry Assistance Fund would make a huge the difference to the lives of coal miners." https://www.i-q.net.au/main/state-pauses-to-pay-tribute-to-miners-killed-at-work

State backs tougher mine dust standards

Industry Queensland

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