Rethinking safety in the Queensland mining and quarrying industry

The Rethinking Safety podcast examines the findings and recommendations of Dr Brady’s recent Review of all fatal accidents in Queensland mines and quarries from 2000 to 2019.

Commissioner for Resources Safety and Health Kate du Preez said the podcast was a great way to explore the details of Dr Brady’s review and to hear key experts from industry, the regulator and unions discuss the way forward regarding safety and health.

“The podcast’s six episodes feature in-depth discussions on a range of topics including the need for a positive safety culture in the resources industry,” Kate said.

“Other discussion include the need for industry to continue to develop a positive reporting culture and the importance of open, honest and transparent incident reporting as a cornerstone of a safe and healthy industry.

“Further episodes highlight problems related to excessive paperwork and when there is a reliance on administrative controls to prevent serious accidents.

Kate said the overarching theme of the podcast was the introduction of high reliability organisation (HRO) theory and HRO characteristics and traits into the coal mining and mineral mining and quarrying industries.

“HROs are learning organisation that avoid serious incidents despite operating in environments characterised by high level of inherent risks and/or operational complexity,” she said.

“The Brady review tells the story of the Queensland coal mining and mineral mining and quarrying industry’s recent history—where we find ourselves now.

“It is sometimes confronting because it shines a light on failures. However, it is a bright point for the industry because it serves as a catalyst for change.

“Its true value is that it has generated the necessary conversations about how the regulator, unions and employers can work together to write the story about what the mining industry can be in the future.”

The podcast features interviews with Queensland’s two chief inspectors of mines, the Commissioner for Resources Safety and Health, unions representatives and key safety and health experts in the coal mining, mineral mining and quarrying industries.

You can download the Rethinking Safety podcast from www.bradyheywood.com.au/podcasts.