Mine safety management systems

Draft code open for public consultation
Date: Monday, 18 October 2021

A Draft Code of Practice: Mine safety management system has been released for public consultation by the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety.

The department seeks your comments on the draft code before the consultation period closes on Friday 10 December 2021.

Under the new Work Health and Safety (Mines) Regulations, mine operators will be required to prepare, implement and maintain a mine safety management system (MSMS) for a mine/exploration operation.

The draft code provides practical guidance on establishing and implementing the MSMS, which is the primary means of ensuring the safe operation of a mine. The draft code brings together a number of plans, procedures and policies to enable a mine operator to follow a systematic approach to establishing and maintaining an effective system to manage health and safety, including:

  • risk management 
  • principal mining hazard management plans
  • contractor management
  • reviewing and auditing of the MSMS.

The draft code has been developed based upon guidance material produced by NSW Resources Regulator:

  • Code of Practice: Safety management systems in mines
  • Guide: Preparing a principal mining hazard management plan

The Mining Industry Advisory Committee (MIAC) has approved the draft code for public consultation.