A report released today which finds it's common practice for mine workers to be punished for raising safety concerns has been welcomed by the Mining and Energy Union.
The Queensland Parliament's Inquiry into Coal Mining Industry Safety report backs up what is commonly known in the Queensland coal mining industry; namely that workers face reprisal if they raise safety concerns.
There are a number of key recommendations which need to be backed immediately by changes to the law, says Steve Smyth, Queensland District President of the Mining and Energy Union.
"In the last five years we have seen six deaths on the Queensland coalfields where no-one has been held responsible, no fines on companies, no disciplinary action for managers, we need these recommendations implemented immediately," he said.
"The report recommends beefing up activity by the regulator, which is a no-brainer and should start immediately.
"It calls out clear tension between high coal production targets and safety.
"And it also reinforces the important role of unions in upholding safety.
"Most importantly it clearly accepts that repercussion for workers who raise safety concerns is rife in the industry and the report recommends passing new laws to stop it, the Palaszczuk Government needs to start drafting these new laws today.
"We know coal workers fear being disciplined and sacked if they raise safety concerns, especially labour hire workers.
"These measures need to be implemented urgently. Only in the last few weeks we have seen a spate of dozer accidents leading to serious injuries, we have no time to waste," says Steve Smyth.
