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
What are the benefits of investigating incidents?
An investigation can:
- yield information needed to
- identify trends and problem areas
- permit comparisons
- satisfy legal requirements
- identify the basic causes that contributed directly, or indirectly, to the unwanted event
- identify deficiencies in the production and management system that permitted the incident to occur
- suggest specific corrective action alternatives for the management system.
If mining operations do not undertake suitable investigations of incidents, opportunities for improvement may be lost. Without an understanding of the causes and contributing factors, there can be no learnings and improvements to safe work practices.
What should an investigation report cover?
To achieve the best outcomes from the investigation process, the following approach is recommended when preparing the report.
The report should:
- be developed using an accepted investigation technique (e.g. ICAM or Taproot)
- address the causation factors and sequence of events that resulted in the incident
- outline the risk reduction measures taken and safety system improvements to prevent a recurrence of the incident
- consider the hierarchy of control when developing risk reduction measures to provide a long-term solution to the problem
- be signed off by a safety representative and a company official, such as a line manager or safety professional.
Further information: This is the same guidance provided to companies who have been asked to undertake a site investigation and submit a report to a mines inspector. The report provided to the department is then be reviewed and the case closed or investigated further (by the company or department).
Why should safety and health representatives be involved in investigations?
One of the statutory functions of a safety and health representative is to be able to carry out an appropriate investigation following an incident.
Refer to s. 53(1)(b) Mines Safety and Inspection Act 1994.
A safety and health representative is an invaluable source of knowledge that can help those undertaking a site investigation. Representatives bring an understanding of workplace systems, health and safety, and experience in liaising with workers and supervisors.
Representatives may also be requested by a mines inspector to assist in a departmental investigation.