New checklist to help mines with OH&S

A new checklist to help the mining industry complete its responsibilities under the State’s Occupational Health and Safety and mine safety legislation has been released by the NSW Department of Primary Industries.

“The Audit Checklist for OHS Consultation in NSW Mines, has been designed as a hands on document giving clear step by step guidelines to satisfy legislative requirements,” said Deputy Director-General DPI – Mineral Resources Alan Coutts.

The checklist is aimed at mine operators, OHS committees, site check inspectors and NSW DPI Mine safety inspectors.

The checklist identifies, assesses and prioritises on-site actions to improve the effectiveness of OHS consultation arrangements.Consultation on OHS issues in the workplace ensures employees contribute to the decision making processes which affect their health, safety and welfare at work.

“To date a draft Audit Checklist has been trialled at 3 mine sites in NSW, which has met with very positive feedback,” he said.

“This is a great example of the Government’s efforts to provide tools and resources to industry to help implement effective on site occupational health and safety programs,” said Mr Coutts.

Mine safety officers from the Department will visit mine sites over the next 18 months to go through the checklist. Mines will be given reasonable notice before the assessment takes place.

Once the assessment is finalised, the mines will receive a report including an action plan.

Copies of the ‘Audit Checklist for OHS Consultation for NSW Mines’ are freely available from this website www.minerals.nsw.gov.au, email minesafety@minerals.nsw.gov.au or phone NSW DPI on 02 4931 6633.