On 31 March 2022, the Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws replaced the health and safety elements of the Mines Safety and Inspection laws. For information visit www.demirs.wa.gov.au/whs
All health and safety notifications, forms and guidance for mining and petroleum has moved to the WorkSafe website
Establishment
MIAC was established in April 2005 under section 14A of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 which has now been repealed. This committee is to be replaced by the Mining and Petroleum Advisory Committee (MAPAC) which is established under the Work Health and Safety Act 2022 (Schedule 1, Division 4, clause 23). The final meeting of the Mining Industry Advisory Committee (MIAC) took place on 17 August 2022.
Key objectives
The key objectives of MIAC are to:
- advise and make recommendations to the Ministers responsible for occupational safety and health in Western Australia and the Commission for Occupational Safety and Health (the Commission) on occupational safety and health matters concerning the mining industry
- liaise with the Commission to coordinate activities on related functions and maintain parallel standards
- inquire into and report to the Ministers regarding any matter referred to it by the Ministers relating to occupational safety and health in the mining industry
- make recommendations to the Minister for Mines and Petroleum regarding the formulation, amendment or repeal of laws relating to occupational safety and health for which that Minister is responsible
- prepare or recommend the adoption of codes of practice, guidelines, standards and specifications or other forms of guidance for the purpose of assisting employers, self-employed persons, employees, manufacturers or other persons to maintain appropriate occupational safety and health standards in the mining industry
- provide advice on education, publications, training and training courses with respect to occupational safety and health in the mining industry.
Current membership
The tripartite membership of MIAC is determined jointly by the Ministers responsible for the administration of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 and Mines Safety and Inspection Act 1994.
- Mr Andrew Chaplyn (Chair) – Government member
- Ms Helen Anderson – Expert member
- Dr Gary Bryant – Expert member
- Mr Gregory Busson – Union member
- Vanessa Colmer – Industry member
- Ms Christina Folley – Government member
- Mr Glenn McLaren – Union member
- Laila Nowell – Industry member (temporary)
- Samantha Panickar – Industry member
- Ms Meagan Smart – Expert member
- Mr Gregory Stagbouer – Expert member
Meeting dates
Schedule of MIAC meetings for 2020:
- Wednesday 12 February 2020
- Wednesday 8 April 2020
- Wednesday 10 June 2020
- Wednesday 12 August 2020
- Wednesday 14 October 2020
- Wednesday 9 December 2020
Meeting communiques
A summary of the topics discussed at the most recent MIAC meeting is available below.
Meeting minutes
The confirmed minutes for MIAC meetings for 2016 and 2015 are provided below.
From the 13 October 2016, meeting minutes have been replaced by meeting communiques. Copies of these are available above.
2016
2015
Working Groups
Mental Health Strategies Working Group
On 18 June 2015, the Legislative Assembly Education and Health Standing Committee tabled its final report The impact of FIFO work practices on mental health. The Standing Committee made a number of findings and recommendations in its report relating to the Mental Health and Mines and Petroleum portfolios.
The Government provided its response to the Standing Committee’s recommendations in October 2015, which included MIAC progressing those relevant recommendations.
To assist in identifying a framework to support good practice for positive mental health wellbeing in the resources sector workplace, it was agreed at MIAC’s 14 April 2016 meeting to establish a Mental Health Strategies Working Group (MHSWG).
A MIAC approved close out report concluding the actions of MHSWG has been released. The report outlines the MHSWG’s achievements in identifying and progressing projects that support good practice for positive mental health and wellbeing in the resources sector workplace.
Mental Health Strategies Working Group Close Out Report
Mental Health Strategies Working Group Terms of Reference and membership
Mental Health Strategies Working Group communiques
Nano Diesel Particulate Matter Working Group
Diesel particulates matter (DPM) is a known hazard for mining operations, especially in underground mines where there is widespread use of diesel vehicles and equipment.
Research around the world suggests nano diesel particulate matter (nDPM) is a harmful carcinogenic component of exhaust emissions that can be absorbed through the lungs into the bloodstream. An evaluation of nDPM would assist the development of control measures to protect workers in underground mines and other environments where nDPM is generated.
To gain a better understanding of the exposure effects of nDPM on workers, it was agreed by MIAC to establish the Nano Diesel Particulate Matter Working Group (nDPMWG). Between 2016 and 2020 the nDPMWG met on 11 separate occasions.
As a result of the recommendations from the nDPMWG, following extensive research and industry consultation, a workplace exposure standard for DPM was implemented across all Western Australian mining operations in December 2020.
A report is available on the research undertaken regarding nDPM behaviour and characteristics in underground mining in WA
A close out report concluding actions of nDPMWG has been released.