OHS Conference

Since we last came together as an industry, natural disasters have unfortunately been an all too frequent occurrence, both in Australia and overseas.  While the images of destruction and personal tragedy were shocking to us all, we drew inspiration from the response on the ground by emergency workers and locals alike. Their focus and determination in the face of despair reminds us that while safety is our number one priority and risks must be minimised, from time to time accidents can and do occur and we must always be ready to respond.

The 2011 NSW Minerals Council annual OHS Conference, “No Room for Error: Risk + Response” will challenge us to focus on how, as an industry, we manage risk and prepare for emergencies. We will also discuss change, how it can be challenging and at times difficult, how change doesn’t have to happen for change’s sake, but done correctly, is ultimately good for the industry.  National harmonisation of OHS legislation is an excellent example of the need for change and the imperative to do it correctly.

This Conference is the premier industry event for OHS in NSW. While it is always challenging to improve on the record of previous years, our speaker line-up for 2011 is truly top notch. We will hear from well-known names, be inspired by truly heroic stories and be entertained and informed as speakers bring their own unique perspectives to important health and safety messages.

The coveted Innovation Awards will also return bigger and better this year with an innovation of our own - of the 10 Innovation Award finalists, one will be dedicated to an innovation provided by a small operation or operator, and one to the winner of the 2010 Metalliferous Health and Safety Innovations Award. 

The conference Trade Exhibition has doubled in size, with 20 exhibitors showcasing the latest technology, practices, services and innovations available to the mining industry. Included in the exhibition, as a special guest of the NSW Minerals Council, will be the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.  The industry is proud to have supported this essential service for almost twenty years.

The 2011 OHS Conference provides an excellent opportunity to learn, experience, discuss and share the many issues confronting the mining industry and to demonstrate what makes it a world class industry.  As always, the Conference will provide you with plenty of opportunity to network and socialise with friends and colleagues.

We look forward to seeing you in the Hunter Valley in July.

Mr Mick Buffier                                         Dr Nikki Williams
Chairman                                                   Chief Executive Officer
NSW Minerals Council                             NSW Minerals Council