Register to 'have your say' about the Work Health and Safety (Mines and Petroleum Sites) Laws

We are facilitating a concurrent review of the Work Health and Safety (Mines and Petroleum Sites) Act 2013 and Work Health and Safety (Mines and Petroleum Sites) Regulation 2014 (WHS (MPS) laws) during 2020.

The public consultation process will be open from 1 March 2020 until 17 April 2020. The free half-day forums are being held throughout NSW and will be facilitated by an independent reviewer, providing an opportunity for open discussion of issues and feedback.

A light lunch will be provided for registered attendees. Spaces are limited - register today to secure your spot.

Click here for forum locations and registrations

A light vehicle drives over an open edge

A worker suffered minor injuries after driving a light vehicle over an open edge at Ravensworth Open Cut Coal Mine. The vehicle fell about 12 metres and came to rest on its roof. The worker was able to free himself from the vehicle and call for help.

An investigation into the incident has commenced.

Click here to read the full Investigation information release

New design order for powered winding systems (other than person-riding hoists)

We have issued a new design order for the registration of powered winding systems (other than person-riding hoists). The new order does not take effect until next year.
The new 2020 order:

was published in the NSW Government Gazette No 26 of 7 February 2020
commences on 1 March 2021
refers to the regulator’s new Technical reference guide (TRG): Powered winding systems.

The current 2018 order (which references MDG 33, MDG 2005, and MDG 26) will continue to apply to any applications for design registration submitted to the regulator before 1 March 2021 (including applications for altering existing registered design).

Visit our website to view the new 2020 order, the current 2018 order, a fact sheet about the new 2020 order, and the new TRG: Mine powered winding systems.

Click here for further information

Learning from disasters updated: 1900 Greta Colliery Fire

Our interactive timeline that captures significant NSW mining incidents recorded from the late 1800s and highlights lessons from past disasters has been updated with the addition of a new case study. The new case study focuses on a fire that broke out at Greta Colliery on 5 December 1900 resulting in the death of five men.

Learning from experience, preventing devastating reoccurrences and improving the health and safety of all those working in the mining industry is a profound way to acknowledge and recognise all those affected by mining incidents throughout history.

Click the links below for our Learning from disasters training packages and further resources.

Learning from disasters training package

Learning from disasters interactive timeline

SafeWork NSW has adopted two revised model Codes of Practice (COP) – First aid in the workplace and Excavation work.

The First aid in the workplace COP was revised to update guidance on selecting first aid courses.

The Excavation work COP had some minor wording corrections made.

The codes commenced in NSW on 31 January 2020 and are now available for download.

COP - Excavation work (January 2020)

COP - First aid in the workplace (January 2020)

10 Pathways to Death and Disaster (Singleton)

The Hunter Region Branch of The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM) invites you to hear from distinguished speaker Michael Quinlan on Wednesday 26th February 2020 as part of the AusIMM Health & Safety Society Distinguished Lecture Series.

The topic of Michael's presentation will be based on his book “10 Pathways to Death and Disaster” which seeks to answer questions such as:

Why do mine disasters continue to occur in wealthy countries when major mine hazards have been known for over 200 years and subject to regulation for well over a century?
What lessons can be drawn from these disasters and are mine operators, regulators and others drawing the correct conclusions from such events?
Why is mining significantly safer in some countries than in others?
Are the underlying causes of disasters substantially different from those that result in one or two fatalities?

Event attendance is free, but registrations are essential.

Further information and event registration

Further information:
Resources Regulator | 1300 814 609 | info@resourcesregulator.planning.nsw.gov.au

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Regional NSW, Resources Regulator

516 High St

Maitland, New South Wales 2320

Australia

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