- New Code of Practice for road and traffic management at Western Australian mines published
- Developed in response to incidents, near misses and fatalities involving road and traffic hazards at mine sites
- Provides practical guidance to help mining operations manage vehicle, mobile plant and pedestrian interactions
- Supports safer workplaces by helping mine operators identify and manage road and traffic risks
A new Code of Practice is now live to help prevent serious road and traffic incidents at Western Australian mine sites and support safer outcomes for workers across the State's mining industry.
The Cook Labor Government developed the Code in response to incidents, near misses and fatalities involving road and traffic management at mine sites, as well as an identified need for additional guidance to assist industry in managing these risks.
The Code of Practice: Road and traffic management at Western Australian mines provides practical guidance to mine operators and other duty holders on managing health and safety risks associated with roads, traffic and powered mobile plant at mine sites. The Code is an approved code of practice under the Work Health and Safety Act 2020.
WA's work health and safety laws recognise road and traffic management as a principal mining hazard because of its potential to result in serious incidents and multiple fatalities.
The Code promotes a systematic, risk-based approach to managing these hazards and provides guidance on the development of site-specific traffic management plans.
It also provides guidance on haul road design and maintenance, vehicle and pedestrian separation, worker training and supervision, speed management and the selection, operation and maintenance of powered mobile plant.
Stakeholders helped shape the final Code through a public consultation process.
As stated by Industrial Relations Minister Simone McGurk:
"Road and traffic incidents at mine sites can have devastating consequences, and this Code was developed in response to incidents, near misses and fatalities that have occurred across the industry.
"Every worker deserves to return home safely at the end of their shift, and this newly published Code provides practical guidance to help mining operations better manage one of the industry's most significant safety risks.
"I thank the Mining and Petroleum Advisory Committee for its contribution to this work, along with the industry and stakeholder representatives who provided valuable feedback during public consultation.
"WA's mining industry is central to our economy, and the Cook Labor Government will continue working with industry to improve safety outcomes and support safe, healthy and productive workplaces across the sector."
