The safety case approach to mining safety in Australia is a measure that requires mine operators to submit case reports to the mining department of labor illustrating its initiative towards management of safety. Mines require the department’s approval before conducting the initiative. The measure is broad-based and objectively uses legislation to set broad objectives upon which mine operators narrow down to suit their case scenarios in the management of safety. On this basis, the mine operators can develop appropriate methodologies which they intend to use in the management of risks within the mines. The department presents specific standard thresholds that every operator must adhere to if its measures are to be approved.
A review of the presented case by the department before approval is a measurement to ensure that the proposals presented by the mine operator are feasible and practicable. In addition, the department monitors and ensures that the mine operator adheres to the safety proposals submitted to the board. Generally, the mine operators are required to present reports containing the following:
- The policy guidelines objectives and the methodology of effecting the same.
- The systems that will be used by the management in the identification and assessment of risks.
- Methodology for development and implementation of measures of risk control.
- Arrangements are put in place to ensure that relevant equipment is availed for this purpose, a list of tasks considered critical to safety, and proof that workers have been trained and are competent enough to manage risks.
- A methodology for continuous review of activities and processes within the mine to identify emerging risk potential areas.
The importance of enhanced safety management initiatives cannot be underestimated. Existing methods are proved effective in the management of risks with increased probability and insignificant effect. However, catastrophic risk management has proved elusive to these risk management techniques. Notably, the risk universal approach to risk management proves ineffective, more so taking into consideration the fact that each mine operator suffers unique risk in a way. The safety case approach brings with it a package that ensures that each mine operator approaches risk management in such ways that suit its case scenario. Additionally, it ensures that these operators independently handle cases of expected catastrophic events to ensure that in case of occurrence, the effect is limited.
Successful safety case regime application has been successful in many states globally. For instance, the division of major hazard facilities in Victoria and the national offshore petroleum safety authority has successfully used this method in the implementation of risk management. In the UK’s rail system, this method has been successfully implemented in the management of catastrophic risk events. In New Zealand, the Railways Act 2005 provides guidelines relating to safety case content requirements. In Australia, it is important to note that the leading safety case regime is in the Major Hazards Facilities division and NOPSA, which covers 50 major sites within the state. Its regulations are founded on the basics provided by the state’s constitution. The regulations fall within the National Mine Safety Frameworks, which have been endorsed by all the states in Australia, and Victoria inclusive. Among its key features that are in line with the safety case regime include:
- Duty of care to all stakeholders within the mining industry ranging from mine owners, management team, employees, suppliers, and service providers.
- Safety management principles.
- Safety management tracking and monitoring systems.
- A consultative undertaking is being taken by all stakeholders involved.
- Emergency response initiatives.