Media

You can find our media releases and public statements here, with the most recent releases at the top of the page. In addition to what is listed on this page, you may be interested in relevant media statements made by the Minister for Resources, which includes the RSHQ portfolio.

Doctor training program continues to support medicals for miners

28 March 2023

Doctors approved by Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) to carry out medicals for mine and quarry workers must successfully complete RSHQ’s Statutory Medicals for Mine and Quarry Workers training program.

Mr Dean Barr, Executive Director - Occupational Health highlighted the importance of the training program now administered by Simtars - RSHQ’s Registered Training Organisation.

“The doctor training program was first introduced following the re-identification of mine dust lung disease in Queensland and was recommended by the independent review into Queensland’s health scheme for coal miners” he said.

“The training program is designed to support doctors by equipping them with knowledge of the required screening examinations and follow-up investigations of abnormal results.

It also details the associated legislation, standards and record-keeping requirements necessary to support quality medicals that detect occupational diseases like coal workers’ pneumoconiosis and silicosis early”.

Mr Barr said RSHQ had worked closely with doctors to ensure its register of approved doctors remains current, and training requirements are up to date.

“Doctor participation is paramount to the effectiveness of medicals and RSHQ will always work with doctors to ensure requirements are being met. It’s pleasing to see the majority of approved doctors continue to participate in the training program and provide this important service to mine and quarry workers.”

Through ongoing compliance monitoring, RSHQ recently removed 35 doctors (12 per cent) from the register who had not kept up with the required training. The training program includes initial online training modules, refresher training and annual online and face-to-face workshops.

Doctor training program continues to support medicals for miners

28 Mar 2023

RSHQ’s response to the Transport and Resource Committee’s inquiry into coal mining industry safety

17 Feb 2023

RSHQ made a number of submissions during the Transport and Resource Committee’s inquiry into coal mining industry safety and welcomes the release of its report.

Compliance directives issued after serious mining incidents

08 Feb 2023

Resources Safety and Health Queensland has issued compliance directives to mine operators following a series of serious incidents at Central Queensland coal mines involving mobile equipment operating on coal stockpiles.

Confidential complaints and incident reporting

19 Jan 2023

Court refuses stay of enforcement action against former mine officials

12 May 2022

Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) has successfully resisted an application to suspend the effect of enforcement action taken against two former officials of North Goonyella mine, while an appeal of the enforcement action is underway.

Industry leader briefings reinforce the need for change

04 May 2022

Resources Safety & Health Queensland (RSHQ) today released its annual briefing for the resources industry to provoke thought, discussion and action from industry leaders.

Quarry operators on notice to improve safety performance

14 Dec 2021

A quarry operator in the Darling Downs region has been fined $45,000 for failing to discharge its obligation to ensure that risk to workers at the quarry was at an acceptable level.

Doctor’s registration with RSHQ suspended for substandard medical examinations

01 Nov 2021

On 13 September 2021, a doctor’s approval under the Coal Mine Workers’ Health Scheme was suspended for 12 months after failing to show due care and skill in carrying out medical examinations.

Former North Goonyella mine officials’ statutory certificates of competency cancelled

12 Oct 2021

On 11 October 2021, the Chief Executive Officer, Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) cancelled the statutory certificates of competency of two former officials at North Goonyella coal mine, finalising an enforcement process relating to an underground fire that occurred at the mine in 2018.

Queensland Coal Mining Board of Inquiry’s part 2 report tabled in parliament

11 Jun 2021

Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) welcomes the Queensland Coal Mining Board of Inquiry’s part 2 report, tabled in the Queensland parliament on Monday 14 June 2021 by the Honourable Scott Stewart MP, Minister for Resources.

Quarry operator fined $180,000 for breaching safety obligations resulting in the loss of a young man’s life

26 Feb 2021

On 25 February 2021 a quarry operator and two of its employees pleaded guilty and were sentenced in the Emerald Industrial Magistrates Court for offences relating to failing to ensure risk to persons from quarrying operations was at an acceptable level.

Company fined $60,000 for failing in its general obligation to keep risk to an acceptable level

04 Feb 2021

On 29 January 2021, the defendant company pleaded guilty and was sentenced in the Brisbane Magistrates Court for failing in its general obligation to take all reasonable steps to ensure no person was exposed to an unacceptable level of risk in relation to high pressure cleaning equipment (operating plant) that a worker was using at a gas wellsite near Clifford Queensland.

An individual was fined $5,000 and ordered to pay $2,000 in compensation for unlicensed gas work

23 Jan 2021

On 18 March 2021, the defendant pleaded guilty and was sentenced in the Maroochydore Magistrates Court for carrying out unlicensed gas work and failing to comply with safety requirements by leaving an open-ended pipe uncapped. The defendant was also ordered to pay $2,000 in compensation to the injured worker.

Last updated: 14 Dec 2021