New animation encourages Qld resources industry to report high potential incidents
A new animation shows why reporting incidents is critical to keeping Queensland resource workers safe.
The animation explains what a high potential incident is, and why they need to be reported.
A high potential incident (HPI) is a near-miss incident that could have ended in someone getting seriously hurt or killed, but for some reason that was avoided.
HPIs are a great opportunity to learn and improve safety practices, and that's why Queensland's mining and quarrying operators are legally required to report serious accidents and high potential incidents to RSHQ.
RSHQ shares learnings from those accidents, and one way the regulator does that is through safety notices which are publicly available on the RSHQ website.
RSHQ CEO Rob Djukic said diligently reporting and investigating incidents is key to driving down serious harm in the resources industry.
"We know some people struggle with the idea that the regulator wants to see an increase in reported incidents; it might sound counter-intuitive to reducing harm," said Mr Djukic.
"We've intentionally made the animation without using a mining example so industry workers don't get hung up on one relatable incident.
"By using an everyday example anyone can relate to, we are aiming to show how transferrable lessons can be found in any incident."
The 2020 Brady Review which reviewed all fatal accidents in Queensland mines and quarries from 2000-2019, said there was an under-reporting of incidents and steps to address that issue were required.
Since then, RSHQ has taken steps to improve reporting.
"We encourage mines and quarries to report HPIs and when they do, we can support them in their response and share their lessons for the benefit of workers across the whole industry," said Mr Djukic.
"At the end of the day, a reporting culture is a learning culture and this is critical to improving safety."
Minister for Resources and Critical Minerals Scott Stewart said everyone in the industry must ensure safety is their number one priority.
“We want to see a decrease in serious harm to workers, the way to do this is increasing reporting of and learning from near miss incidents," said Minister Stewart.
“That’s why this animation put together by RSHQ is an important tool.”
The HPI animation will be circulated to all mines and quarries for educational purposes.
ENDS
Media contact
Amy McCann
0457 094 250
Last updated: 02 May 2024
