Resources Victoria has advised mine operators that inspectors will be visiting mining and quarry sites in western Victoria to assess how operators are managing workplace risks, as part of a regulatory review.
The Earth Resources Regulator conducted inspections across the Northern Grampians, Ararat, and Pyrenees shires last week, focusing on site boundaries, extraction limits, and controls for dust and noise.
Operators are required to address any safety concerns identified between 16 and 17 July, and will be reminded of their ongoing responsibilities under the state’s mining regulations.
Acting Chief Inspector Rebecca Carlton said findings from the visits will help inform future audits and compliance campaigns.
“Our inspectors will be reminding operators of their responsibilities and gathering information to guide future audits,” Carlton says.
“If required, we’ll take enforcement action to ensure behaviour is changed to protect nearby communities, infrastructure, and the environment.”
Inspections are a part of a greater ongoing initiative to prevent operational risk in Victorian mines.
Mining.com.au reports that the Mitchell, Macedon Ranges, and Mount Alexander shires also saw inspections last month, between 18 and 20 June.
Workplace health and safety is an ongoing issue across the country, with Safe Work Australia data recording 200 deaths in 2023 and 4,707 fatalities over the past 20 years.
The mining sector has caused 175 deaths between 2003 and 2023, representing 3.7% of workplace fatalities.
Write to Maddison Elliott at Mining.com.au
Images: iStock & Safe Work Australia
