Safety in Queensland’s mining industry will reach an even higher standard as a result of a new training program being accredited through the Queensland Government’s mine safety agency.
Executive Director Nick Ahlstrand of the Department of Natural Resources and Mines’ Safety in Mines Testing and Research Station (Simtars) said the new program will see over 250 underground and surface emergency response workers undertake training and accreditation in Dysart and Blackwater during 2016-2017.
“This training program is a partnership as a result of an MoU between Simtars and the Queensland Mines and Rescue Service (QMRS),” Mr Ahlstrand said.
“The agreement will see QMRS provide specialised training and assessment services in mines rescue techniques and mine safety, in topics such as operating breathing apparatus, working in teams, controlling fires and extricating casualties, that will now be accredited under the Simtars Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
“This training means mine workers can be reassured their fellow workers who have been trained in emergency response will now have higher expertise and be well equipped to deal with an incident at their mine site.
“Queensland has one of the safest mining industries in the world and is recognised internationally as a leader in cutting edge mine safety training,” Mr Ahlstrand said.
Simtars Executive Director Nick Ahlstrand said both agencies have a shared vision to improve the knowledge and skills of mine workers.
“This provision of high-level training services in accrediting QMRS training packages and working collaboratively on a number of training initiatives will result in improved safety and health outcomes for the mining industry.”
Mr David Carey, Chief Executive Office of QMRS said that “this agreement will see new standards established within a customer service framework and deliver training under a vocational standard framework.”
“To date, 68 competencies have been issued to students undertaking surface mine emergency response training. QMRS is pleased to partner with Simtars who share the common goal of improving mine safety through emergency response preparedness,” Mr Carey said.