The Queensland Mining Industry Safety Reporting Survey aimed to independently survey workers in Queensland's coal mining and mineral mining and quarrying industries to better understand safety reporting practices and to drive potential improvements to reporting.

The survey was driven by the Queensland Coal Mining Board of Inquiry finding that, "an extensive study undertaken by CMSHAC on reporting culture in coal mines would benefit the industry in Queensland” (Finding 91) and its recommendation that, “as part of carrying out its functions under section 76A of the Act, CMSHAC considers including within its 5-year Strategic Plan activities that will facilitate improvements in the reporting culture in Queensland coal mines” (Recommendation 28).

The survey was adapted by the Commissioner for Resources Safety and Health from the safety culture survey tool that was developed by Safer Together as a workforce engagement tool to provide managers and supervisors in the oil and gas industry with information about the overall safety attitude/feeling of a team, department, and organisation. It is supported by the Coal Mining Safety and Health Advisory Committee and the Mining Safety and Health Advisory Committee.

Methodology and approach

In response to the Queensland Coal Mining Board of Inquiry finding and recommendation, the advisory committees established tripartite working groups of experienced industry personnel to collaborate with the Commissioner’s office in the development of the survey.

The survey questions were designed to understand participants’ perceptions of the safety behaviours of members of their team, frontline leaders, and managers.

To ensure the robustness and suitability of questions for the target audience, the Commissioner’s office undertook cognitive testing sessions at two coal mines, one mineral mine, and one quarry.

Cognitive testing was completed as a structured feedback session with randomly selected individuals representing workers, frontline leaders and managers at mines and quarries. Participants completed the survey and provided feedback on their understanding of the questions, providing an opportunity to identify if the wording was unclear and where adjustments needed to be made.

A pilot phase of the survey was performed from 1 May 2023 to 27 May 2023. The pilot phase ensured the survey was fit for purpose by working with participating mines and quarries to test its effectiveness. Data was then assessed for any potential issues in the questions or any issues with the administration of the survey.