Session papers will kick off with a look at the judicial process of what happens if a fatality occurs. Magistrate Laurie Verra, executive legal consultant John Tate and Julie Dryden from the Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Water will discuss the impact and possible consequences of a fatal accident at a mine in Queensland.
Another legal session will look at a contractor’s obligations and drug and alcohol policies with a presentation from law firm Phillips Fox’s John Lunny.
Day 1 will feature an afternoon session with a focus on skills development with Carmel Bofinger – from the University of Queensland’s Minerals Industry Safety & Health Centre – looking at a comparison of the Australian and South African mining engineering courses to the competency requirements for mine managers. Mining Industry Skills Centre’s Tony Mapp will then look at the coal industry’s transportability scheme.
Different components of mines rescue will be discussed with consultant Stewart Gilles looking at the issues around inertisation of fires in Australian mines. Queensland University of Technology’s Michael McDonald will look at the fitness component of mines rescue personnel and Simtars’ Martin Watkinson will look at the lessons from this year’s Level 1 Mine Emergency.
Some keynote speakers during the conference will include Washington State University Sleep and Performance Research Centre director Dr Greg Belenky; BHP Billiton executive president Bob Kirkby; and one of Australia’s leading comedians and media personalities, James O’Loghlin.
