When must a safety and health representative provide notice before entering a coal mine?

A safety and health representative must provide reasonable notice before entering a coal mine to ensure compliance with the safety regulations set out in Queensland mining law. Providing reasonable notice is essential as it allows the mine operator to prepare for the visit, ensuring that appropriate safety measures and arrangements are in place and that the representative can effectively carry out their duties without endangering themselves or others.

This requirement helps strike a balance between the representative's role in monitoring safety conditions and the operational needs of the mine. It facilitates cooperation between the mine operators and safety representatives, enhancing overall workplace safety.

While a representative must always maintain their right to inspect and uphold safety standards, the stipulation of providing reasonable notice recognizes the practicalities involved in entering a potentially hazardous environment like a coal mine. Such considerations contribute to the broader objective of ensuring a safe working environment for all personnel involved in mining operations.