Who is primarily responsible for safety and health obligations under the Act?

The primary responsibility for safety and health obligations under the Queensland Mining Act is assigned to the holder of the mining lease or permit. This is because the holder is typically in control of the mining operation and is tasked with ensuring that operations comply with all health and safety regulations. The holder has a legal duty to implement systems and processes to protect both the workers and the environment, and they are responsible for ensuring that all safety standards are met.

While contractors, site senior executives, and mine workers also have roles in maintaining safety and health, these roles are typically more collaborative or supportive in nature. Contractors may be responsible for specific tasks but still operate under the overarching responsibility of the holder. The site senior executive plays a critical role in managing safety on-site, particularly in day-to-day operations, but their responsibilities are in conjunction with the obligations of the holder. Moreover, all mine workers or other persons are expected to take reasonable care for their own safety and to cooperate with others to ensure safety on site, but the ultimate accountability lies with the holder of the mining lease or permit.

This allocation of responsibility reflects the principle that those who have control over a mining operation should also ensure that effective safety measures are in place, thereby establishing a clear chain of responsibility necessary for compliant and