Qld mines urged to put safety first during storm season

Qld Mines Urged to Put Safety First During Storm Season

Queensland's mine safety watchdog is warning sites across the resources sector to prioritise worker safety as storm season approaches. Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) is encouraging mine operators throughout the industry to ensure adequate safety measures are in place before severe weather hits.

Storm season runs from October through April 30, and RSHQ says now is the time to prepare rather than wait for the first severe weather alerts to appear.

Temporary Shelters Are Not a Place of Safety

RSHQ's Chief Operating Officer Rob Djukic has warned mine sites against relying on temporary shelters during storm season. Mines, quarries and gas fields need permanent, well-maintained facilities rather than makeshift structures when severe conditions arrive.

"They should never be considered a place of safety during severe weather events," Djukic said.

"Those structures need regular maintenance, but don't just stop there. Make sure you're assessing all site facilities deemed to be places of safety during severe weather events."

Why Preparation Matters for Health and Safety Outcomes

Storm season places added pressure on emergency response arrangements across Queensland's resources sector. Sites without a clear emergency plan risk delayed responses when conditions turn dangerous quickly.

Operators should review evacuation routes, communication protocols and emergency services access points well ahead of the season. Regular checks on structural integrity support both health outcomes and operational continuity, and workers deserve confidence that their health and wellbeing come first when storms threaten a site.

Industry bodies recommend that all site facilities undergo assessment against current health and safety standards, not just those obviously exposed to weather risk. This approach reflects broader industry expectations for proactive risk management rather than reactive repairs after damage occurs.

Steps Mine Operators Should Take Now

• Get expert advice on which site structures genuinely qualify as places of safety during severe weather
• Schedule maintenance inspections for all shelters and refuge facilities before storm season begins
• Confirm emergency services contact details and access routes are current and communicated to all workers
• Review and update site-specific severe weather procedures with input from health and safety representatives
• Monitor official weather alerts throughout the season and adjust site operations accordingly

Queensland is urging mine operators to treat this period as an opportunity to strengthen preparedness across the industry, not merely tick a compliance box. Sites that invest time now in reviewing facilities and procedures are better placed to protect workers when severe weather strikes.

Further details can be found here via RSHQ's official website.

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Mine sites looking to strengthen their documentation can review our Electrical Safety Policy, First Aid Policy and Electrical Safety Checklist resources, alongside our broader Safety Software solutions. For assistance accessing templates suited to resources sector operations, visit our support page.