Queensland Mining Industry heads back to the future to improve safety

Over 1000 industry delegates will converge on the Gold Coast tomorrow for Australia’s largest mining health and safety conference.

Operators, regulators, and safety and health experts will attend the Queensland Mining Industry Health and Safety Conference (QMIHSC) that runs from August 18-21 where the focus is on one thing – ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of every worker in the resources sector.

QMIHSC 2024 Chair, Larnie Mackay, said the event provides industry with an opportunity to discuss the latest health and safety techniques and initiatives, exchange information on best-practice safety programs and network.

“The health and safety of resources workers always has been, and always will be, a core value in the mining sector and is an area in which the industry seeks continuous improvements,” Ms Mackay said.

“When it comes to safety, the mining industry regularly and openly shares experiences, ideas and initiatives to improve worker safety across the whole resources sector.

“The theme of the 35th QMIHSC is ‘Back to the Future’ and will feature expert speakers and plenary sessions that put a spotlight on workers’ safety and on creating inclusive and welcoming workplaces,” Ms Mackay said.

“The event will examine some important questions about what lessons from the past can help ensure the industry continues to move forward when it comes to safety.

“They include whether there is a place for the simpler processes of the past to integrate with new technology and ways of working, and have technology and futuristic methods simplified our industry for the positive, or introduced new risk?

“QMIHSC 2024 has an impressive line-up of keynote speakers covering a wide range of safety-related topics.

“Speakers include current Red Bull Air Race world champion and former Airforce wing commander Matt Hall, Dr Helena Popovic who has spent over three decades researching the brain to teach people how to reach their full potential, and Professor Arnold Dix who led the 2023 rescue of 41 miners in India after a tunnel collapse.

The conference is the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere, with delegates travelling from all corners of the world to hear from leading health and safety experts.

“We look forward to welcoming industry executives, senior leaders, workers and health and safety professionals working in Queensland’s resources sector to the conference, which also include award presentations, a gala dinner and so much more,” Ms Mackay said.

“The conference is a key event on the mining industry calendar bringing together mine workers, support services, suppliers, unions, industry, regulators and government to work together to share ideas about new safety innovations and critical health techniques in the pursuit of our goal of an industry with zero serious harm.

“A regular highlight of the QMIHSC is the presentation of the ‘Legends Award’ which recognises a person who has shown a long-term commitment to safety, followed by the presentation of the Innovation and Health Program awards at the Gala Dinner.”

Thank you to BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (Principal Sponsor), Yancoal, TotalEnergies, Mining Safe to Work, uvex Safety, Industree Group, Drink Smart Body Armour, Komatsu, Glencore, ICAM Australia, Simtars, Mining and Energy Union Queensland and the many other sponsors and exhibitors who support the conference.

The QMIHSC opens at 12.30pm, Sunday, August 18.

To arrange interviews or for more information:

Media Contact: Paula Lazzarini – [email protected]

The Queensland Mining Industry Health and Safety Conference is an initiative to promote health and safety in the Queensland mining industry. The four-day conference provides the industry with the opportunity to exchange information, network and foster proactive health and safety management techniques.

The in-person and online conference is organised by representatives from the Queensland Resources Council (QRC), Resources Safety and Health Queensland, the Mining & Energy Union Queensland, industry organisations and the Australian Workers’ Union.

The conference boasts a full program of topical sessions, workshops, award presentations and a gala dinner and attracts a wide range of presenters willing to share their knowledge, expertise and insights into important health and safety matters in our industry.