Understanding fatigue in the mining industry

The project will consider the Queensland regulatory framework and the management of fatigue in the coal mining and mineral mining industries.

Commissioner for Resources Safety and Health Kate du Preez said the project aimed to achieve a number of outcomes around fatigue and its relationship with mental health and safety.

“The principle aim of the project will be to identify if fatigue remains a hazard in the Queensland mining industry and the extent of fatigue as a hazard,” Kate said.

“We will also be aiming to identify what constitutes good practice in contemporary workplace fatigue management, in mining and similar industries, and establish the current state of fatigue management practices in the Queensland mining industry.

“Part of the focus will be on identifying the direct and indirect links between worker fatigue and mental health outcomes.”

Kate said the project would provide a greater understanding of what the Queensland mining industry is doing well regarding fatigue and identifying improvement opportunities.

“The effects of fatigue on safety and health are not as clearly understood as they could be, and this project aims to provide some clarity and deeper understanding of fatigue hazards,” she said.

“The discussion about managing fatigue has also moved significantly in recent years away from being about rostering and work hours towards a risk management system approach.

“This project will help to understand that shift and what it means for the industry.”

The project is expected to be completed in November 2022.