THE SAFETY of Western Australian miners may be undermined if the NSW workplace safety model is adopted, according to an OHS expert.
The WA government is working with federal government and other states to adopt a common approach to workplace safety.
Unions are pressing for more employer prosecution in the event of an injury, similar to the NSW safety model. However, Mining and Resource Contractors Safety Training Association director, Patrick Gilroy, says the move will hurt Western Australian workers.
“Higher numbers of prosecutions for safety breaches does not necessarily translate to improved injury rates,” he said.
Gilroy says safety gains are better achieved by empowering the workforce with education and training.
Mr Gilroy will address the WA Safety Conference, which runs from 12 to 14 August 2008 at the Perth Convention Exhibition Centre.
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