The Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC) has introduced its Explorer Reference Pack, containing a variety of resources designed to help mineral exploration companies meet their Work Health and Safety (WHS) requirements and funded through the Western Australian Government’s Work Health and Safety Act 2020 Peak Body Grants Program.
Included in the Explorer Reference Pack is the following:
- Templates for risk assessment
- MSMS resources
- Mines’ risk register
- Health and safety policy
- Incident report form
- Job hazard analysis
- Mine emergency response plan
- Psychosocial incident investigation flowchart
- Sexual harassment checklist
- Sexual harassment policy
- Daily site inspection forms to assist members with creating their own safety systems
AMEC Chief Executive Officer, Warren Pearce, said the Explorer Reference Pack was developed with practical tools, resources and assistance to help mineral exploration companies transition to Western Australia’s recently-commenced WHS laws.
“Safety is the utmost priority for our industry and providing physically and psychosocially safe workplaces is something we must all continue working together to do.
“The legislation outlines the legal requirements but for many small companies, particularly mineral explorers, transitioning from existing safety practices to WHS Mine Safety Management Systems (MSMS) is a significant undertaking,” Mr Pearce said.
“To support these companies in a timely, pragmatic transition to WHS, AMEC’s Explorer Reference Pack outlines practical steps to develop and maintain a risk-based safety system, scalable for the risks relevant to mineral exploration operations across Western Australia.”
Mr Pearce said that the Explorer Reference Pack is hosted on the company’s Resources Hub and is another element in ongoing efforts to support the sector’s physical and psychosocial safety developments.
“Our Resources Hub shares a wide range of tools, policies and member initiatives to increase diversity and safety, including training options and service providers to proactively address sexual harassment risks.”
This resource pack was developed in collaboration with Parabellum International, in addition to a range of events AMEC has hosted in 2022 and has planned for 2023.
“AMEC is committed to supporting an effective transition to WHS laws in Western Australia, to ensure safety remains the highest priority for our workers and workplaces,” Mr Pearce said.
