Safety and health
The safety, health and psychological wellbeing of the mining workforce is the industry’s number one value and commitment.
Overview
The minerals industry is committed to eliminating fatalities, injuries and occupational illnesses and building respectful workplaces. The MCA recognises this requires continuous effort and leadership.
Every individual, regardless of where they work, who they work for, how they are employed, or the tasks they undertake expects the same high standard of workplace safety, health and wellbeing.
MCA member companies commit to an approach based on the following principles:
- All fatalities, injuries and occupational illnesses are preventable
- No task is so important that it cannot be done safely and respectfully
- All hazards can be identified, and risks eliminated or controlled
- All instances of harassment and disrespectful behaviours in the workplace can be prevented.
Everyone in the industry has a personal responsibility for the safety, health and wellbeing of themselves and their work mates, as well as contributing to positive and respectful workplaces.
This includes speaking up without fear of retribution when unsafe work practices and unacceptable behaviours occur.
Policy Priorities
Regulation to improve safety and health
Regulatory and enforcement practices should improve workforce safety and health outcomes. Laws should bring greater certainty, efficiency and clarity to industry participants.
Timely access to data
Ensure transparent and timely access to government-held health and safety data to better understand factors resulting in fatalities, serious injuries and occupational diseases and inform occupational health and safety improvement initiatives.
Best practice mental health programs
Implement best practice mental health programs, training and technologies to inform and manage the risks to mental health in the workplace.
Respect@Work
In the wake of the Australian Human Rights Respect@Work report the Minerals Council of Australia is focused on building a respectful industry culture. MCA member companies recognise that sexual harassment occurs across society and in our workplaces causing profound physical, emotional and psychological harm.
Through committed leadership, the industry developed a response that recognises and prevents sexual harassment, and empowers people to speak up and take action where behaviours do not meet expected standards.
Mental Health
Mental health problems can have an adverse impact on the individual, their families and industry productivity. Companies and workplaces can do a lot to support the mental health and wellbeing of employees.
Australia’s mining industry is delivering a range of programs that promote mental health and wellbeing.
Depression is the leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide and research suggests that, at work, people are more likely to seek help from colleagues than more formal support programs.
In recognition of the importance of mentally healthy workforce, the MCA and its partners have worked to build industry understanding and capacity, including:
- Blueprint for mental health and wellbeing – A framework to promote wellbeing, as well as reduce the risks and impacts of mental illness with directions evidence-based strategies which can be applied at company and site level
- Pocket guide: Mental health in the workplace – What to look for and how to help a colleague who may be going through a tough time
