State governments are continuing their mission to enhance workplace safety standards and working conditions in Australia. The Queensland government has recently taken decisive steps with the introduction of the Resources Safety and Health Legislation Amendment Bill (2024), which proposes significant reform for Queensland's resources sector. The bill focuses on strengthening safety measures across various industries in the resources sector.
Key amendments and their impact
Following a review on mining fatalities and an inquiry into the Grosvenor coal mine explosion, key amendments have been proposed under Queensland's Resources Safety Act. These impact the legislation governing Mining, Petroleum and Gas, and Explosives industries, and were developed in consultation with industry stakeholders, unions, and the community. The proposed amendments encourage accountability and transparency of safety practices, including:
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Tightening competency requirements for critical safety roles.
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Enhancing the powers of safety representatives.
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Extending safety requirements to remote operating centres.
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Mandating Enforceable Undertakings for violating organisations.
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Increased publishing rights for verified persons for serious accidents.
How this could affect your workforce?
The introduction of critical controls will require new safety measures to be integrated into an organisation’s safety and health management system. Senior site executives must comply by notifying regulators of failures in performance, and completing monthly reporting and monitoring. In addition, new certificates of competency for specific roles will raise the standard of workforce training.
There is also an expanded scope of who is considered a contractor, which increases the number of workers that must meet the heightened compliance protocols. This complicates the process of managing large numbers of workforce safety records, which is not only a legal obligation, but vital for enhancing safety, morale and productivity among your workers.
Thankfully, the system to support companies to view and manage workforce credentials and training records in real-time already exists.
Broader implications for workplace safety
Building on the momentum of the Respect at Work reforms, the recent legislative developments represent an integral shift in the Australian workplace, and push for better safety standards across the board.
With an increased legal onus on employers to meet tightening regulations, the consensus is clear; employers must show up and meet broader obligations to cultivate safe, secure and equitable workplaces. As legal frameworks continue to shape the emerging workforce, operational integrity and commitment to employee welfare are fundamental.
Increasing compliance with MyPass
MyPass plays a crucial role in managing workforce compliance through our digital Skills Passport, which allows workers to actively own, manage and share their credentials, and enables employers to monitor workforce compliance with real-time data and dashboards. MyPass simplifies onboarding and mobilisation for contingent and permanent workers, and streamlines workforce management for projects and companies operating in highly-regulated industries.
This bill represents not only the safeguarding of workers but the increase of operational integrity standards. As we move forward, the integration of technology like MyPass is crucial in ensuring standards are met efficiently and effectively.
