The idea for the system came from the safety adviser and safety administration officer at the mine’s coal handling and preparation plant, where it was trialled.

CHPP manager Jen Mackenzie told International Longwall News the system comprised a simple one-page form that could be completed by any coal mine worker who wished to raise a hazard or near miss.

“The one-page form is then entered into our safety reporting system, commencing an investigation process,” she said.

“All hazards or near misses are visually reported on a board in our prestart meeting room, so all personnel are able to track progress on the hazards and near misses raised by all employees and see the full range of issues currently being worked on in the [safety] department.”

Once the hazard or near-miss investigation was complete, a letter and certificate of appreciation was sent to the worker who raised the issue.

Visual reporting boards are used to display the total number of hazards and near misses reported on a monthly basis.

“The system is designed to provide a feedback loop to personnel to provide evidence of the fact that the issues they raise regarding safety have been addressed,” Mackenzie said.

The trial showed there was a marked improvement in reporting compared with previous years and a larger focus by all personnel to identify safety issues.

“The main benefit we’ve seen from the system is the reporting of the ‘unseen’ hazards – those things that people have become used to over time,” she said.

“Essentially, we’ve given people the opportunity to take a ‘fresh’ look at their workplace and be involved in addressing some of the hazards that have existed for a long time.”

While the certificate of appreciation gives written confirmation that the hazard raised has been adequately addressed, Mackenzie said it provided families with the opportunity to discuss safety at work and home, and personnel were also welcome to use the certificate in CVs or job interviews.

“The feedback we’ve got from our operations, maintenance and contracting personnel is very positive in that people are able to see for themselves the progress being made on the issues they raise.”

Mackenzie said the main challenge to implementing the system was ensuring all personnel were aware of it and felt empowered to use it as part of their normal, daily work activities.

The state government’s Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation, which is now responsible for the mining and energy industries, became aware of the system during a site visit.

Mackenzie said the government department had already begun sharing information of the reporting system verbally as an example of best practice across the mining industry.

She said the government personnel were impressed with the simplicity of the system and its direct engagement with the workforce.

“The system could easily be replicated across other mining operations,” she said.

“All each site needs is the hazard and near-miss reporting forms, a board to provide the regular updates and an administrative resource to generate the certificate of appreciation.”

Mackenzie said the mine had already hosted personnel from within BMA and other mining companies in the Bowen Basin that were keen to replicate the simple system, saying it represented a great opportunity for knowledge sharing within the industry.