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
The MCA's content on the Respect@Work report, sexual harassment in the workplace and mental health is currently being updated. For enquiries, contact info@minerals.org.au.