Statement from QRC chief executive Ian Macfarlane following safety summit

QUEENSLAND Resourcews Council (QRC) chief executive Ian Macfarlane has released a statement following the resources industry safety summit on Wednesday.

"The Queensland Resources Council (QRC) will work with the government, unions and workers to implement the outcomes of today’s safety summit, including a safety reset to reach every worker on every shift," Mr Macfarlane said.

"The issue of safety is an ongoing top priority in our industry and there is a shared commitment to safety from all in our sector. The recent tragic loss of life and injury must strengthen that commitment and our collective resolve. 

"Everyone who works in a mine or a quarry - or any other workplace for that matter - is entitled to leave for work and return home safely to their loved ones. When resources companies say safety is their top priority, it’s backed with action," he said.

"Each mine in Queensland already has substantial and regular safety briefings and procedures in place.  The QRC has committed to work with the government on the two safety reviews established by Minister Lynham and our member companies have committed to a safety reset across all mines. 

"This reset will be on top of the comprehensive safety briefings that already occur on each mine site. The reset will have the ability to meet mine-by-mine and site-specific requirements to ensure the best safety outcomes," Mr Macfarlane said.

"The objective must be to reach every worker across every shift.  Therefore, these resets will be tailored to the individual sites and their various rostering and operational requirements.  

"QRC will work with the employee representatives - the CFMEU and the AWU - to ensure our industry has the most robust safety culture it can and that two-way conversations between management and operational staff are ongoing."

www.qrc.org.au

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The QRC and its members will participate in a safety forum at the annual Queensland Mining Industry Health and Safety Conference next month (18 to 21 August).

 

We will also work with the Government on reforms to strengthen safety culture in the resources sector. This includes further discussions on sanctions for reckless behaviour, as well as the Government’s proposal for legislation on the offence of “industrial manslaughter”.

 

We thank Minister Lynham for convening today’s safety meeting and thank all participants for their constructive approach.