Regulation by Stealth? Codes of Practice in the Australian Coal Mining Industry

This project was commissioned by the Australian Coal Association Research Program. Its aim is to evaluate the growing use of OHS codes of practice in the Australian coal mining jurisdictions, to examine their strengths and weaknesses, and to identify ways in which their potential contribution to work health and safety (WHS) can be enhanced. Its findings will feed into the ongoing debate (both within and beyond the National Mine Safety Framework (NMSF)) concerning how to develop and implement best practice mining regulation. The following analysis and recommendations were developed following a literature review focusing on international best practice, 64 interviews with key industry stakeholders, and desktop research/analysis. It should be noted that New South Wales (NSW) has considerable past experience with codes of practice and Mine Design Guidelines (MDGs), as does Queensland with the comparable instrument of recognised standards.