The theme ‘simple solutions to complex problems’ will be under discussion at the Queensland Mining Industry’s annual health and safety conference from August 22-25. Up to 700 people are expected to attend the event in Townsville, which will have keynote speakers including Chief Executive of the UK Health and Safety Laboratory, Eddie Morland and Tom Noval, Principal Engineer Office of Mine Safety and Health Research in the US.

It will also feature the annual innovation awards, where mine employees are recognised for their efforts to improve workplace safety. Conference chairperson Greg Dalliston said though mine health and safety performance had improved in Queensland over the past ten years, the industry still had not achieved its goal of zero harm.

Dalliston: “This conference is a valuable forum for the sharing of ideas and for the industry to re-focus its efforts to ensure the health and safety of workers.

“It’s also an example of how the government, industry and unions are working together to improve safety and health performance.”

The conference will be held at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre and Jupiters Townsville. For more information visit the conference website: www.qldminingsafety.org.au