Queensland Sets Stringent Mining Safety Standards

The Queensland Government has set stronger safety standards for its mining industry, as part of its changes to legislation.

Queensland Mining Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the contractors working under their own safety management plans will now work under the site's safety management plan, according to the new laws.

"What these amendments do is make sure all mine operators, including contractors, are working under the same safety health management system, " Hinchliffe said.

The modifications have been effected based on coroner findings and industry feedback that there were a number of safety management plans being followed in some instances.

As per the legislation, it is also required that people operating machinery on mine and quarry sites should be 16 or older, to prevent children from operating heavy mining equipment.