Inspectors sharing safety knowledge

Mines Inspectors Forum brings together safety inspectorate.
Date: Thursday, 06 April 2017

Mine Inspectors from Karratha, Collie and Kalgoorlie have joined their colleagues in Perth for the Department of Mines and Petroleum's 15th Mines Inspectors Forum.

Mines Safety Director and State Mining Engineer Andrew Chaplyn said the biennial forum was an opportunity for mine inspectors to get together in the one room and share experiences, knowledge and ideas.

Resources Safety Executive Director Simon Ridge, Acting Director General Michelle Andrews, Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston and Mines Safety Director Andrew Chaplyn at the Mines Inspectors Forum.
Resources Safety Executive Director Simon Ridge, Acting Director General Michelle Andrews, Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston and Mines Safety Director Andrew Chaplyn at the Mines Inspectors Forum.

"This can then feed into our overall regulatory strategy for resources safety and our vision of a safe and healthy resources sector," Mr Chaplyn said.

"It also helps ensure that we are all on the same page and that advice given by an inspector in the South West is the same as the advice given by an inspector in the Goldfields or the Pilbara."

Mr Chaplyn said the forum was opened by Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston and included presentations, guest speakers, updates by executive staff and workshops.

"It was particularly pleasing to have Minister Johnston open the forum," Mr Chaplyn said.

Mr Johnston said there was no greater challenge or responsibility than ensuring the safety of workers.

"From government and mining companies, to workers and regulators, we all have a role to play in order to meet that challenge," the Minister said.

"While the challenge is undoubtedly complex, it is built on the simple premise that every worker has the right to return home safely at the end of their shift and swing.

"Our mines inspectorate is committed to helping make this premise a reality."