Qld’s mining sector unites for safer sites

A RECORD NUMBER of mining industry representatives will spend four days working on one focus - the well-being of every man and woman in the mining sector at the Queensland Mining Industry Health and Safety Conference on the Gold Coast.

Queensland Resources Council chief executive Ian Macfarlane said more than 900 people will attend the conference starting on Sunday (August 18) which was the largest cohort in the conference’s 31-year history.

“It has been overwhelming to see the response from industry to the conference this year after the tragic death of six mine and quarry workers,” Mr Macfarlane said.

“I’ll be sitting down with Mines Minister Dr Anthony Lynham and union representatives to ensure the safety of all workers remains the number one priority. Everyone who works in a mine – or any other workplace for that matter – is entitled to leave for work and return home safely to their loved ones.

“Already industry is rolling out comprehensive safety resets across mine sites including two-way conversations with workers and safety professionals to remind them of the dangers faced on a site.”

The conference theme this year is ‘Working to the Future’ with a goal of making sure all delegates learn a new technique or approach to health and safety.  

Delegates will hear from Russell Whit, managing director of Driver Safety Australia, Brant North who survived a mine accident and has represented Australia at the Paralympics, advocate for countering violent extremism Gill Hicks and big wave surfer and Red Bull Athlete Mark Matthews.

Conference chair and CFMEU’s safety representative Greg Dalliston said the annual conference was a key event on the mining calendar.

“The conference brings together unions, industry and the Government and encourages all parties to work together and share ideas about new safety measures and health techniques,” Mr Dalliston said.

Sponsors of the conference, to be held at The Star, include principal sponsor Anglo American, Glencore, Yancoal, Uvex, Peabody and the CFMEU.

For a full list of conference speakers and the program click herehttps://www.qrc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/QMIHSC-2019-program-V-10.pdf

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