The WorkSafe Mines Safety inspectorate is reminding mine operators that all mines must have a deployed and functioning mine safety management system (MSMS) by 31 March 2024, after finding that many mines had failed to properly develop or implement an MSMS.
All mines were required to have a fully-developed MSMS by 31 March 2023. All required site-specific documentation, risk assessments, controls, structures, and statutory appointments should be fully documented with processes in place to implement the MSMS.
Where there is a common MSMS framework in place for mine operators with more than one mining operation, this framework must then be adapted for the specific hazards and risks at each mine site. A common or generic MSMS does not meet the requirements of managing hazards and risks across different workplaces.
All mines must have a deployed and functioning MSMS by 31 March 2024. The framework and associated components must be fully implemented and operational.
The MSMS must be readily available to any worker at the mine and provided to allow workers to understand the hazards, risks, and controls that are in place to ensure they are not exposed to harm while at work.
The Mines Safety inspectorate will take regulatory action where appropriate in instances where it is identified that the MSMS has not been fully developed as required.
