Mine operators in NSW can expect a visit from the Resources Regulator anytime this week as the state’s mining watchdog conducts a statewide compliance blitz.
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By providing all the mines with an early ‘heads-up’ it could be argued that it defeats the purpose of random checks.
Resources Regulator’s Deputy Secretary Lee Shearer revealed the high visibility operation, which commences on Monday May 28, will involve more than 80 safety, environment and compliance inspectors.
“The safety of workers in our mining industry is a priority for the NSW Government, and this compliance blitz will reveal if it is for mine operators too,” Ms Shearer said.
“The Resources Regulator will inspect over 100 mines, quarries and petroleum sites across NSW to see if health, safety, rehabilitation requirements and compliance standards are being met, and they’ll be speaking with workers about this too.
“The NSW Government and the community expects nothing less than the highest standards of compliance to be demonstrated in the workplace at all times.”
In addition to examining general compliance with mining regulations and site safety management systems, the five-day operation will also focus on:
Roads and vehicle operating areas at large surface mines and underground metalliferous mines
Ground and strata failure in all underground mines
Safe operation of mobile plant at quarrying operations
Rehabilitation and dam monitoring.
Compliance teams will also continue with scheduled targeted assessments on diesel exhaust emissions, airborne contaminants and fires on mobile plant at relevant sites.
