No Room for Error: Risk + Response will challenge miners from across NSW to focus on risk management and preparedness for emergencies, highlight the latest innovations and explain what the state’s new occupational, health and safety laws will mean for the sector.

NSW Minerals Council chief executive officer Dr Nikki Williams said the industry’s ability to attract Bennett and other speakers, including Qantas pilot captain Richard de Crespigny – who created international headlines after safely landing his 469 passengers and crew after an engine failure, highlighted the importance they placed on responding quickly and calmly to emergency situations.

“Safety is our number one priority and that is why we have worked hard to deliver two big names in Wayne Bennett and captain de Crespigny to speak at this major health and safety event,” Williams said.

“Their stories are inspiring and we look forward to talking about how, as an industry, we can apply their messages to our own lives, both at home and in the workplace.”

Underground coal mine rescue worker Seamus Devlin and leading industry lawyer Paul Cutrone will add to the depth of speaking talent, with Cutrone’s wide knowledge of environment and OHS legal issues and Devlin’s three decades of rescue experience set to further engage the audience.

In addition, Dr Dean Laplonge, a leading researcher in gender studies, will discuss masculinity and safety in the mining industry and the Cat.Dog Agency will reveal lessons learnt from its highly successful “Little Pinkie” road safety campaign which reduced incidences of young men speeding.

“Almost 40 conference speakers will challenge, instruct and entertain more than 500 delegates to think about the industry’s world leading safety culture and share innovations with their colleagues,” Williams continued.

“The coveted Innovation Awards will also return, bigger and better in 2011, with an innovation of our own. One of the 10 finalist places will be allocated to the winner of the 2010 Metalliferous Health and Safety Innovations Award, to highlight the metals sector’s longstanding commitment to mine safety in NSW.

“We hope that delegates take away with them a greater appreciation of the importance of effective risk management and that safety is integral to everything we do.

“No Room for Error: Risk + Response promises to be a first class conference for a world class industry and for those who haven’t yet registered I encourage you to do so quickly, as places are filling up fast.”