Stronger safety standards have been set for the Queensland mining industry following recent changes to legislation.

 

Queensland Mining Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the new laws will require all workers on mine sites to work under the site’s safety management plan. Previously, contractors were able to work under their own safety management plans.

 

“What these amendments do is make sure all mine operators, including contractors, are working under the same safety health management system,” Hinchliffe said.

 

“The changes have been made as a result of coroner’s findings and industry feedback that there were a number of safety management plans being followed in some instances.

 

“This means contractors who are carrying out jobs like road works or building works on mine sites will be required to follow the same safety management plan as everyone else.”

 

Changes to the legislation will also mean people operating machinery on mine and quarry sites must be 16 or older.

 

According to the latest annual Queensland Mines and Quarries Safety Performance and Health Report, Queensland’s mining industry is one of the safest in the world.

 

Hinchliffe said the changes to legislation would help the Queensland mining industry to maintain this position.