We often hear the phrase in the Queensland resources sector that “Safety is our number one priority” and the 2023 Queensland Mining Industry Health and Safety Conference (QMIHSC) provided evidence of just how important the issue is to everyone involved.
A record attendance of 1180 delegates gathered for the four-day conference on the Gold Coast from August 20-23 to hear an excellent line up of keynote speakers and take part in discussions on every aspect of safety in our workplace.
The QMIHSC provides the industry with the opportunity to exchange information, network and foster proactive health and safety management techniques and this year we went beyond the resources sector to broaden our knowledge.
The conference theme was ‘Inside Looking Out’ as we heard from speakers from other industries with a similar focus on safety and what lessons can be applied to the resources sector here in Queensland and its 61 thousand strong workforce.
That included aviation experts, a bodyguard who protected diplomats in the Middle East and even a former AFL great who all provided a unique perspective on what we can do to protect our physical and mental health.
While the importance of training protocols, operational systems and communications to worker safety are continually being examined, there is a growing focus on the impact of workplace culture and mental health on safety outcomes.
Every worker in the resources sector should feel valued, respected and safe at work.
Importantly, some of the sessions included feedback from workers at the coalface of our safety procedures and what they believe can be done to ensure best practice.
That included workers with industry experience ranging from three months to forty years because when it comes to safety, every voice matters.
A highlight of QMIHSC 2023 was the presentation of the “Legends Award” to Mount Isa’s Steve Carson.
Steve spent more than five decades working in North West Queensland in what he called “the best industry in the world”.
Over that time and through several roles, Steve gained immense respect from his colleagues as someone who contributed to a safer and better workplace for everyone.
Congratulations to our outstanding finalists for the QMIHSC Innovation and Health Awards. You can read more about the awards in this edition of @ The Coalface.
The QMIHSC Exhibition Hall drew crowds every day with its displays showcasing the latest technology in mine safety equipment.
Every year we’re seeing new developments in safety equipment as companies continue to make big investments in this critically important area.
It’s always great to see resources companies sharing information on new technologies and initiatives that are contributing to better safety outcomes across the entire mining industry.
We know delegates will take this information back to mine sites and teams around Queensland so all workers will benefit from our industry’s ongoing focus on making workplaces as safe as they can possibly be.
A major event like the QMIHSC couldn’t happen without the support of our sponsors.
Thank you to BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (Principal Sponsor), Yancoal, Glencore, uvex Safety, Industree Group, Komatsu, Avetta, Anglo American, Simtars, Mining and Energy Union Queensland and the many other sponsors and exhibitors who support the conference.
Larnie Mackay
QMIHSC Chair
