The Queensland Government has welcomed the release of a report that shows the state’s mine safety record is continuing to improve, with fatal injuries dropping from three in the 2010-11 period to one in the 2011-12 year.

 

The Queensland Mines Inspectorate Annual Performance Report details a significant drop in the severity rate of injuries (down 23.2 per cent) and duration (down 25.1 per cent) of lost-time injuries and disabling injuries in the last 12 months to the end of June.

 

Despite the good news, the report also shows an increase in the Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate from 3.4 to 3.9 per million hours worked.

 

“I have instructed the Commissioner for Mine Safety and Health and the QMI to speak directly with mining companies operating in Queensland to urge them to address these increases in mine safety incidents,” Queensland Minister for Mines Andrew Cripps said.

 

“In addition to making direct contact with mining companies regarding the report’s findings, the QMI will also audit and inspect contractor management systems and induction programs.”

 

Mr Cripps said statutory officials would also scrutinise the level of commitment to and compliance with legislation.

 

The Queensland Resources Council (QRC) has welcomed the report, but has admitted that more must be done to reduce the frequency rate.

 

“t's also troubling that in our underground coal mines, the lost time injury frequency rate (LTIFR) has increased from 4.2 to 6.8 over the same period,” QRC’s CEO Michael Roche said.

 

 The Commissioner for Mine Safety and Health’s Annual Performance Report 2011-12 is available at: www.mines.industry.qld.gov.au/assets/safety-and-health/Commissioner-Mine-Safety-Health-Annual-Performance-Report-2011-2012.pdf