New Regulatory Change in Queensland's Mining Industry: Critical Control Management

Queensland's mining industry is set to undergo significant changes following the recent passage of the Resources Safety and Health Legislation Amendment Bill 2024 in Parliament. Introduced on April 18, 2024, the Bill aims to enhance safety measures within the sector, reducing fatalities and serious accidents. It also seeks to foster high-reliability organisation (HRO) behaviours among resource companies.

Key Changes Introduced by the Amendment Bill

A central feature of the new legislation is the mandatory implementation of Critical Control Management (CCM) programs by mining companies. This requirement marks a pioneering step in regulatory safety measures for the industry. CCM programs focus on identifying and managing critical controls that prevent major hazards, ensuring a more systematic and proactive approach to mine safety.

Regulating critical controls will help prevent incidents before they occur, aligning with the Bill's primary objective of improving safety and health performance within the resource sector. This legislative change is designed to ensure that mining companies can systematically identify activities with the greatest potential to harm people and operations and provide assurance that these critical controls are effective.

How HSE Global Can Help

As businesses adapt to these new regulatory requirements, HSE Global offers expertise in operationalising Critical Control Management. HSE Global has developed a robust approach to CCM, helping organisations focus their time, energy, and resources effectively. Their strategy ensures that critical controls are implemented and verified for effectiveness, contributing to a safer workplace. Using extensive industry experience, HSE Global assists organisations in:

• Develop strategic critical control management programs aligned to the specific needs of organisations in line with industry standards.
• Identifying their critical risks and controls.
• Verifying the effectiveness of those critical controls
• Building internal capability for ongoing monitoring and providing external assurance of control effectiveness?

For more information on how to implement effective Critical Control Management programs, visit HSE Global's Critical Risk Management page.

Looking Ahead

?With these reforms, Queensland aims to set a new standard in mining safety, promoting a culture of continuous improvement and vigilance across the sector. The introduction of CCM programs represents a significant step forward in creating safer working environments and preventing tragic accidents in the mining industry.?

A Strategic Move for All Industries

The mining industry has consistently been at the forefront of safety improvements, and the implementation of Critical Control Management is a testament to this commitment. However, this proactive approach to safety should not be confined to mining alone. All industries, regardless of their field, would be prudent to consider the implementation of Critical Control Management.

By identifying and managing potential hazards before they become incidents, companies can not only protect their employees but also ensure smoother, more efficient operations. Staying abreast of legislative changes is crucial, but being a step ahead is even better. By adopting Critical Control Management now, companies can position themselves as leaders in safety and set a positive example for their industry.?