Simon Ridge was presented with the Jim Torlach Health and Safety Award at the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy on Saturday night in Adelaide.

The AusIMM awards recognise minerals sector professionals who have contributed to outstanding economic, environmental and social outcomes across the industry, professions and community.

WA Mining and Petroleum Minister Norman Moore said Ridge had been with the department for 16 years and was a central figure, driving changes to safety in the mining industry for the past three years.

“He has helped implement significant changes as part of the department’s reform and development at resources safety strategy, which supports cultural change across the industry,” Moore said.

As part of the safety strategy, Ridge oversaw the appointment of 25 additional mines safety inspectors at the DMP during 2010 and 2011.

The award also highlighted the work of the DMP, which expected to recruit a further 10 mines safety inspectors by the end of the year, in addition to petroleum inspectors.

“I congratulate Simon on his efforts – it is a great achievement, not just for Simon but for everyone who works in the mining industry which will be safer because of the work he has driven,” Moore said.

“Not only has he managed the recruitment of qualified and experienced safety staff, he has also designed and overseen new inspector induction programs and introduced a new team concept tailored to suit the state’s diverse and geographically dispersed mining.”

This article first appeared in ILN's sister publication MiningNews.net.