A safety 'reset'happening across all Queensland mines from today is an opportunity for mineworkers to speak out about their safety concerns, the Miners Union said today.
CFMEU Mining and Energy Queensland President Stephen Smyth said the reset was a welcome response to a string of tragic fatalities and serious accidents across the industry.
Starting today, every mine in Queensland is required to stop production and run through a comprehensive program with all workers that includes an opportunity for mineworkers to raise their concerns. The events will take place over the weeks ahead to capture all shifts and workers.
"We encourage all mineworkers to stand up and speak out about their concerns at these safety reset sessions," said Mr Smyth.
"We know that that fear of speaking out is a real challenge in our industry. But employers have given a commitment to conduct these sessions in good faith and we need workers to hold them to account.
"As always, if there's a safety issue that a mineworker is fearful about raising, they should contact the union."
Each of the reset sessions will start with a silent tribute to six Queensland mineworkers killed in the past year.
"It breaks our hearts that so many lives have been lost in Queensland mines this year," said Mr Smyth.
"This reset won't fix our broken safety culture, but it's an important start. We encourage everyone to participate, speak out and work together to make a difference."
The six mining fatalities in the last 12 months are:
- 29 July 2018, Adam Malone – Jacks Quarry
- 15 November 2018, Connor-Shaye Milne – Fairfield Quarry
- 31 December 2018, Allan Houston, Saraji coal mine
- 20 February 2019, Bradley Hardwick, Moranbah North coal mine
- 26 June 2019, David Routledge, Middlemount coal mine
- 7 July 2019, Jack Gerdes, Baralaba coal mine
