The Coal Mine Health and Safety Bill 2002 will replace the Coal Mine Regulation Act. It aims to improve the health, safety and welfare of workers in the sector by placing extra obligations on colliery owners and operators.

The proposed Bill will impose a duty on a coal company to nominate a person who is responsible for the safe day-to-day operations of its mines.

The nominated operator, who can be opposed by the chief mines inspector if deemed unsuitable, must be provided with all information to provide a safe work environment.

Mines will be required to prepare health and safety management plans in consultation with workers, stating how the health and safety of employees will be protected. A further requirement will be for systems to be reviewed at least once every three years, within 12 months of the start of a coal operation or immediately if a dangerous accident or fatality occurs.

The chief inspector will have the right to object to a health and safety management plan if it is deemed lacking or unsatisfactory. A copy of the plan will have to be provided at the mine for inspection by government officials, check inspectors and workers.

Contractor management plans will have to devised to cover contractors employed by the mine. Workers will have the right to walk off the job if a situation is deemed too dangerous.