Lead indicators workshop drives real improvements in safety and health outcomes

Commissioner for Resources Safety and Health Kate du Preez said the workshop was aimed at exploring how lead indicators can drive real improvements in safety and health outcomes.

“Key recommendations from the recent Queensland Coal Mining Board of Inquiry included the greater use of lead indicators as a measure of safety and health performance within the resources industry,” Kate said.

“Traditionally, the effectiveness of safety and health performance has been measured through the use of lag indicators such as lost time injury frequency rates.

“Lead indicators are forward-looking measures that prompt the implementation of proactive safety and health solutions designed to prevent future incidents.

“This workshop was designed to kickstart the conversation around lead indicators and to generate discussion by bringing to light the fantastic work that is already being done by organisations across the coal mining, explosives, mineral mining and quarrying, and petroleum and gas industries.”

Kate said feedback about the workshop had been overwhelmingly positive and attendees expressed appreciation for the valuable insights and information they gained from the presentations and subsequent discussions.

“I would like to thank the presenters and attendees for their participation in the workshop. It is only through whole-of-industry collaboration that we can achieve our safety and health goals,” she said.

“Every organisation must be willing to share vital safety and health information to ensure we learn from past incidents and remain a learning industry.

“A willingness to share our lessons learned is an indicator of how healthy our safety culture is and that was certainly on display with the range and seniority of people who presented and contributed to the discussions during the workshop.

“I want to thank everyone for their participation and for providing their valuable insights into the development of real and workable lead indicators for the resources industry.”

The workshop was hosted by the Queensland Resources Council and supported by the Commissioner for Resources Safety and Health and featured presentations from senior executives across the coal mining, mineral mining and quarrying, and petroleum and gas industries.