THE
REPORT released by the
Queensland Ombudsman on 17 June 2008 has criticised the state’s mine safety inspectorate.
According to the Ombudsman, the
Queeensland Mines Inspectorate which is the body responsible for mine safety regulation was not recording compliance and safety activities at mines. It was also criticised as being too close to the industry.
The poor record-keeping on the part of the Inspectorate meant an incomplete picture of mine safety, resulting in inadequate follow-up of safety concerns.
The report recommended for information to be stored to a central database so all safety concerns can be tracked and corrective actions checked.
The Ombudsman had initiated the review in 2007 after the media and mining academics criticised the industry. The latest Queensland mine safety figures had also shown a rise in the number and severity of injuries associated with mines.
The number of injuries requiring medical treatment for the 2007 financial year rose from 758 to 1132, while high-potential incidents rose from 839 to 1128.
According to the Queensland Mines Minister, the report would help improve operations. He further said many of the recommendations have already been implemented, and promised to examine the rest.
