The 2016-17 Safety Performance in the Western Australian Mineral Industry report has been released by DMIRS
| Date: | Friday, 16 February 2018 |
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The 2016-17 Safety Performance in the Western Australian Mineral Industry report shows one worker was killed and 313 workers suffered a serious lost time injury last financial year.
The report released by the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) details annual injury rates across the mineral industry.
In his introduction to the report, State Mining Engineer and Director Mines Safety Andrew Chaplyn said that while long-term trends showed safety is improving, we cannot and should not accept the current number of fatalities and injuries.
"These figures are a reminder that we still have too many people being put in harms' way while working in Western Australia’s mining industry," Mr Chaplyn said.
"As a regulator, DMIRS raises awareness and seeks compliance. We are also committed to thoroughly investigating incidents to provide safety information to the industry, which helps protect workers and safeguard the community."
Mr Chaplyn said the department is committed to working with industry to help reduce serious incidents and provide tangible support in achieving positive cultural change.
"To help achieve this, the department has launched a number of initiatives, including the Towards 2020 Regulatory Strategy, a focus on human and organisational factors and the inaugural Safety and Health Resources Sector Awards," he said.
"However, each and every person involved in the mining industry must take their safety responsibilities seriously.
"Whether you are an executive, manager, supervisor, worker or regulator, we must all make a commitment to improve safety in Western Australia’s mining industry.
"It is a commitment we need to make our highest priority, because the costs of not doing so are far too high."
