Why safety is critical to WA's resources sector
Safety is at the heart of everything the WA mining and resources sector does. Around the State, the absolute priority is that anyone who goes to work as part of our operations – whether that be on-site or somewhere else – returns home safely at the completion of their shift.
Our commitment to safety
The WA mining and resources sector’s commitment to safety starts before workers even travel to site, with a focus on ensuring they have the knowledge and skills to not only do their jobs effectively but to the highest safety standards.
Just as technology is making our sector’s operations more efficient, it is also making them safer – taking people away from situations with potential risk and allowing them to prepare virtually for situations they may face in the field.
The changing face of health and safety
For many years, physical safety was the primary focus of the WA mining and resources sector – an understandable approach given potential risk factors on-site which may not be present in other industries.
But over the past decade a more holistic approach to health and safety has emerged, centred on the wellbeing of our people.
This includes a focus on ensuring workers – particularly those in remote locations – have healthy eating options, the opportunity to undertake a variety of recreational activities, connectivity to family and friends, and access to services that facilitate positive mental health outcomes.
The WA mining and resources sector is committed to growing diversity and ensuring workspaces are safe, respectful and inclusive for the sector’s 157,000-plus employees.
Prioritising safety on site
Laura Brittain is a Health & Wellbeing Advisor at Mineral Resources and CME’s 2023 Safety Ambassador.
Laura chats to us about the importance of safety on site, how she relaxes at the end of her shift, and what she likes most about her FIFO role. She also offers some practical advice for young people considering a career in the WA mining & resources sector.
Keeping safety front of mind
Matt Berlingeri from Thiess explains some of the thought processes that go into ensuring the health and safety of the WA mining and resources sector’s on-site workers.
He explores what a day in the life of a health and safety advisor looks like, how he relaxes after a busy shift, and describes some of the on-site social events he enjoys.
Safety initiatives around WA
The WA mine with its own dedicated (and decorated) fire brigade
How augmented reality is helping mining and resources operations
The technological solution keeping miners safe at work…and beyond
Defence vets find ‘head space’ in Jarrahdale bushland
Safety in action
Mental health
Caring for people
From family-friendly rosters to an innovative peer support partnership with LifelineWA, the WA mining and resources sector is committed to achieving positive mental health outcomes for workers.
Wellbeing
Things to do
Operations around WA offer a variety of healthy eating options, on-site physical activity facilities (including gyms) and a wide range of other recreational opportunities for workers.
Technology
Smarter and safer
Cutting-edge technology, including remote operations centres and AI that monitors workers for signs of fatigue, is being used around WA to enhance safety at mining and resources operations.
Connection
Staying in touch
Working remotely can be challenging and companies are committed to keeping workers connected to their loved ones – including through family-friendly rosters, technology and family days on site.
Safety training
Being prepared
All WA mining and resources workers receive rigorous safety training required to undertake their jobs. Expert on-site teams regularly practice for any emergencies they may encounter.
Read more about safety in WA mining and resources
Diversity in the WA mining and resources sector
Growing a more diverse and inclusive sector
WA mining and resources is committed to growing diversity and inclusion throughout the sector. The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of WA (CME) facilitates a Diversity and Inclusion Reference Group, which features representatives from many of its 80-plus members, and also publishes a comprehensive Diversity report every two years.
One of the biggest events on the sector’s calendar is the annual Women In Resources Awards dinner, which attracts more than 1000 people to celebrate the impact of gender diversity. The Inspiring Girls Careers Forum is another yearly event that showcases opportunities and careers in the sector to hundreds of female school students each year.
CME also manages a Safe and Respectful Behaviours (SARB) Working Group, which is made up of representatives from more than 40 member companies, and shares best practice learnings around creating safe, respectful and inclusive workplaces.
SAFER
SAFER
Find out how WA’s mining & resources sector is prioritising safety in its operations.
SMARTER
SMARTER
Find out how the WA’s mining & resources sector is using technology to become smarter.
CLEANER
CLEANER
Find out how the WA’s mining & resources sector is using renewables to become cleaner.
SITE REHAB
SITE REHAB
Find out how the WA’s mining & resources sector is refining techniques to rehabilitate old sites.