The WA Government has released a new Code of Practice that aims to prevent serious road and traffic incidents at mine sites and support safer outcomes for workers across the State’s mining industry.
The Code of Practice: Road and traffic management at Western Australian mines provides practical guidance to mine operators and other duty holders on managing health and safety risks associated with roads, traffic and powered mobile plant at mine sites. The Code is an approved code of practice under the Work Health and Safety Act 2020.
The Code was developed in response to incidents, near misses and fatalities involving road and traffic management at mine sites, as well as an identified need for additional guidance to assist industry in managing these risks. It promotes a systematic, risk-based approach to managing these hazards and provides guidance on the development of site-specific traffic management plans.
It also provides guidance on haul road design and maintenance, vehicle and pedestrian separation, worker training and supervision, speed management and the selection, operation and maintenance of powered mobile plant.
“Road and traffic incidents at mine sites can have devastating consequences, and this Code was developed in response to incidents, near misses and fatalities that have occurred across the industry,” said Industrial Relations Minister, Simone McGurk.
“Every worker deserves to return home safely at the end of their shift, and this newly published Code provides practical guidance to help mining operations better manage one of the industry’s most significant safety risks.
“I thank the Mining and Petroleum Advisory Committee for its contribution to this work, along with the industry and stakeholder representatives who provided valuable feedback during public consultation.
“WA’s mining industry is central to our economy, and the Cook Labor Government will continue working with industry to improve safety outcomes and support safe, healthy and productive workplaces across the sector,” the Minister said.
