What we do

Our vision is for a zero serious harm resource sector in Queensland.

That means everything we do – from developing policy, working with and educating industry, monitoring data and identifying trends, implementing risk-based compliance plans, through to prosecuting breaches – is driven the ethos that everybody has the right to go home safely at the end of their shift.

Legislation

We are responsible for administering safety and health legislation applying to Queensland’s resources industries:

• Coal Mining Safety and Health Act 1999
• Mining and Quarrying Safety and Health Act 1999
• Explosives Act 1999
• Petroleum and Gas (Production and Safety) Act 2004

Our divisions

RSHQ has 7 divisions, including 4 industry inspectorates.

Our inspectors are employed based on their significant practical experience, qualifications/competencies, and commitment to improving safety and health outcomes in their industry. Inspectors of mines have qualifications across a range of disciplines including, mining engineering, geotechnical engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, occupational hygiene.

Coal Inspectorate

Led by Chief Inspector Peter Newman, the Coal Inspectorate conducts inspections, audits, and investigations at underground and open-cut sites.

It also engages with industry to improve understanding of safety and health risk hazards and obligations.

Our inspectors are based in Mackay and Rockhampton, near the sites they regulate. Find their locations on our contact page.

Mineral Mines & Quarries Inspectorate

Led by Chief Inspector Hermann Fasching, the Mineral Mines & Quarries Inspectorate (MMQ) conducts inspections, audits, and investigations at a diverse range of sites that include large-scale mineral mining operations, quarries, and small-scale-mining such as opal miners.

Our inspectors are located across Queensland in regional centres near the sites they regulate, which includes Townsville, Mount Isa, Atherton, Mackay and Brisbane. Find their locations on our contact page.

Petroleum & Gas Inspectorate

Led by Chief Inspector Bill Date, the Petroleum & Gas Inspectorate (PGI) conducts inspections, audits, and investigations at a range of sites that include household and commercial gas installations, distribution networks (downstream), and extraction and production sites such as natural gas wells and pipelines.

Our inspectors are located across Queensland in regional centres near the sites they regulate including Townsville, Rockhampton, Maroochydore, Dalby, Robina and Brisbane. Find their locations on our contact page.

Explosives Inspectorate

Led by Chief Inspector Alex Mandl, the Explosives Inspectorate (EI) conducts safety and security inspections, audits, and investigations at a range of sites that include fireworks displays, mine sites, transportation hubs, explosives magazines, and import/export businesses.

Our inspectors cover Queensland and are located in Brisbane, Rockhampton, and Townsville, with reserves located in areas near resources and international ports. Find their locations on our contact page.

Occupational Health & Hygiene

Led by A/Executive Director Kerri Melkersson, the Occupational Health & Hygiene division (OHH) is focused on the occupational health of Queensland’s resources workers.

OHH administer the Coal Mine Workers Health Scheme, has implemented mine dust lung disease reforms and works with resources industry, stakeholders, and medical and research communities to develop and implement stronger prevention, detection and support programs for current and former mine and quarry workers.

The team is based in Brisbane.

Simtars (safety in mines testing & research station)

Led by Executive Director Nick Ahlstrand, the Safety in Mines Testing & Research Station (Simtars) has been supporting Queensland's resources industries with research, testing, engineering, scientific and training services to enhance safety and health outcomes for more than 30 years.

Simtars’ diverse team of highly qualified and experienced engineers, scientists and technicians partner with industry to provide world renowned training, research, and testing facilities. Find out more on the Simtars website.

Simtars employs 90 full-time staff and is headquartered at Redbank and has a satellite office in Mackay.

RSHQ Corporate

Delivering front line regulation, research and programs to industry requires a range of corporate support services. This division provides RSHQ’s policy and corporate functions, including finance, communication and media, human resources, legal, reporting and compliance support.