Mining Safety Legend Awarded

August 19, 2018 JOHN NINNESS

The Queensland Mining Industry this morning recognised Frank Windridge (Former Queensland Mining Warden) as a Mining Safety Legend. Frank, formerly from Hughenden, commenced his career in 1982 with the court in Hughenden. He was later appointed a Magistrate and eventually became Queensland’s Mining Warden.

During Frank’s appointment as Mining Warden, he oversaw the investigation of all fatalities and serious accidents that occurred in the Queensland mining industry.  In particular, Frank’s contribution to advancing health and safety is best illustrated by the introduction of risk-based legislation in 1999, following his investigation and 1996 Report into the 1994 Moura No. 2 Underground Coal Mine disaster.

In his report, Frank Windridge, highlighted that:

“Governments, which derive large benefits from (coal mining), have a duty to ensure that mining is carried out in as safe a manner as possible.

“Governments have no moral right to walk away when a disaster happens and decline to accept any responsibility. They are, by association and legislation, clearly involved…”

Frank’s continuing passion is the improvement of mine health and safety.  His experience has been gained through the fatalities he has investigated, as well as through the impact he has seen on families, work mates and the industry when loss of life occurs.

Frank is well regarded across the industry as a true mining safety legend. The Queensland Mining Industry Health & Safety Conference have capture

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