Mines Legislation (Resources Safety) Amendment Bill 2018

Overview

This bill strengthens workplace safety laws for Queensland's mining and quarrying industries, responding to the re-identification of black lung disease among coal miners. It increases penalties, expands inspector powers, requires better qualified ventilation officers, and creates new health surveillance for former miners.

Who it affects

Mine workers and former mine workers gain stronger protections, while mine operators and corporate directors face higher penalties and new obligations to proactively ensure workplace safety.

Key changes

• Ventilation officers at underground coal mines must now hold certificates of competency issued by the Board of Examiners
• Mine inspectors can enter off-site workplaces (like equipment repair shops) that affect mine safety
• Equipment manufacturers and suppliers must notify regulators and mines of any hazards or defects discovered
• All contractors must integrate their safety plans into the mine's single safety management system
• Health surveillance extended to former mine workers to monitor for black lung and silicosis
• Maximum penalties increased to match general workplace safety laws, with new civil penalties for corporations
• Corporate directors must proactively exercise due diligence on safety, not just respond after incidents
• Chief executive can suspend or cancel certificates for safety-critical roles if holders breach obligations
• Small opal and gem mines with 5-10 workers must now have a safety management system (previously only 11+ workers)