When is a safety management system (SMS) reviewed and updated?

On 31 March 2022, the Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws replaced the health and safety elements of the Mines Safety and Inspection laws. For information visit www.demirs.wa.gov.au/whs

Transitional arrangements may be in place for the compliance requirements on this page.

All health and safety notifications, forms and guidance for mining and petroleum has moved to the WorkSafe website

Maintaining a safety management system (SMS)

A safety management system (SMS) should include some means for the operator to formally review the system’s performance and develop improvements based on the results of the review.

There are many ways to review safety performance, but an assessment commonly consists of reviews by the management committee in association with health and safety representatives, often with assistance from technical specialists.

The system should also provide a means of prioritising action items and improvements, with higher priority being given to higher risk issues. Progress on action items should be formally tracked.

When should an SMS be reviewed?

The elements of an SMS should be reviewed regularly and, if necessary, revised. A review should be done:

  • if a risk control measure is revised
  • before making a significant change to the mining operations
  • if a notifiable incident occurs at the mine
  • if an audit of performance standards indicates a deficiency in a risk control measure
  • after a worker's task is changed in response to health surveillance results
  • if there is evidence that a risk control measure does not adequately control the risk
  • if a health and safety representative at the mine requests the review

What should be considered during the review?

The review should consider:

  • the extent to which objectives and targets have been met
  • the continuing suitability of the SMS in relation to any changing conditions and new information
  • stakeholder concerns.

What information can assist the SMS review?

Information that can help with the review includes:

  • results of any internal or system audits
  • reports on work health and safety performance
  • incident reports and investigations
  • hazard identification and risk assessment activities
  • changes to work health and safety laws
  • changes to work health and safety standards
  • changing community expectations.

Related information

Auditing tools

Self-auditing is a useful tool, and audits available from the department that may assist in the SMS review are listed below.

Frequently asked questions on self-auditing of mining activities - information sheet - 942 Kb

This information sheet outlines the frequently asked questions on self-auditing of mining activities.

Safety management system audit

Management systems – audit guide - 477 Kb

This audit guide provides information on the management systems audit

Small mine safety management system audit

Management systems for small mines – audit guide - 599 Kb

This audit guide provides information on the management systems for small mines audit

Electrical installations safety management system audit

Electrical safety – audit guide - 694 Kb

This audit guide provides information on the electrical safety management systems audit

Exploration safety management systems audit

Mineral exploration management systems – audit guide - 588 Kb

This audit guide provides information on the mineral exporation management systems audit