QUEENSLAND Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson has urged mining industry chiefs to lift safety standards in the state’s mines, with particular attention to workers using heavy machinery.
The Queensland Mines and Quarries Safety Performance and Health Report 2007-08 had shown a general improvement in safety and health in the state’s mines and quarries.
This was the first report to be published after changes to statistics recording methods, following concerns of accuracy.
The minister pointed out an accident in which a 50-year-old miner was crushed between the back of a light vehicle and a tool carrier. He has urged the industry to work harder to improve safety around heavy machinery.
According to the minister, while the mining industry needs to grapple with the current economic crisis, safety was still the main focus.
