To clarify confusion over legislation that applies for any construction onsite, the bulletin said miners should remember there were two acts which covered coal and metalliferous mines separately.

The Coal Mine Safety Act (1999) applies to construction work or “onsite activities” on coal mines where all work must be carried out so the potential risk of injury to a person is at an acceptable level.

The Mining and Quarrying Safety and Health Act (1999) regulates safety for metalliferous mines or quarries.

Construction work at mines could involve building workshops, processing plants and wash plants, accommodation units and mobile plant units such as draglines and diggers.

Both the CMSA and the MQSHA place clear obligations on everyone involved in construction work including operators and site senior executives to contractors and designers.

The bulletin reminded site senior executives they should incorporate relevant standards and guides relating to construction work into their safety and health management systems.

It also pointed out the construction work of any contractor onsite is under the control of the minesite senior executive and the mine’s safety and health management system.

Prior to starting any major construction or demolition works the Mines Inspectorate said the proposal should be discussed with local officers.