Published Thursday, 11 December, 2008 at 06:18 PM
Minister for Mines and Energy
The Honourable Geoff Wilson
Advances in mining health safety
The Bligh Government has set up a special health surveillance unit to keep abreast of worker health hazards in the mining industry.
Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said the new unit would conduct research into the effects of dust, chemicals and noise exposure which sometimes do not appear until 20 or 30 years down the track.
“Queensland has one of the best health and safety records in the world and there is no room for complacency. Nothing is more important than the health and safety of the men and women who work in Queensland’s mines,” Mr Wilson said.
Mr Wilson said the mining industry was undergoing constant change and it was important to keep pace with those changes.
“My Department established this unit to collect and collate information from the industry and to work with the Mines Inspectorate to ensure all bases were covered,” he said.
The Minister said the effects of exposure to some of the solvents, paints and resins new to the mining industry had to be carefully monitored.
Mr Wilson said the staff of the new unit had all been actively involved in industry health and safety.
The unit’s manager Gerard Tiernan, an occupational hygienist, has more than 20 years experience including working with Mount Isa Mines and the State Government’s peak safety and research centre, Simtars.
“His team includes an occupational physician, an occupational hygienist, statisticians and three administrators of the Coal Workers’ Heath Scheme,” Mr Wilson said.
Media Inquiries Simon Hamill 3224 7332
Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said the new unit would conduct research into the effects of dust, chemicals and noise exposure which sometimes do not appear until 20 or 30 years down the track.
“Queensland has one of the best health and safety records in the world and there is no room for complacency. Nothing is more important than the health and safety of the men and women who work in Queensland’s mines,” Mr Wilson said.
Mr Wilson said the mining industry was undergoing constant change and it was important to keep pace with those changes.
“My Department established this unit to collect and collate information from the industry and to work with the Mines Inspectorate to ensure all bases were covered,” he said.
The Minister said the effects of exposure to some of the solvents, paints and resins new to the mining industry had to be carefully monitored.
Mr Wilson said the staff of the new unit had all been actively involved in industry health and safety.
The unit’s manager Gerard Tiernan, an occupational hygienist, has more than 20 years experience including working with Mount Isa Mines and the State Government’s peak safety and research centre, Simtars.
“His team includes an occupational physician, an occupational hygienist, statisticians and three administrators of the Coal Workers’ Heath Scheme,” Mr Wilson said.
Media Inquiries Simon Hamill 3224 7332