Miners and safety professionals need to be informed of changing psychosocial health regulations, as well as the strategies and tools to ensure their compliance – and they’ll find answers at Workplace Health and Safety Show (WHSS).

While the mining sector has made great strides in addressing the physical safety of its workers, reducing the number of fatalities and physical injuries, it must now address the mental health of its workforce.

The Mental Awareness, Respect and Safety (MARS) Program Landmark Study revealed that 30 per cent of Western Australian mining workers reported high levels of psychological distress, and 38 per cent reported feeling burnt out at work.

A further 16 per cent of workers reported having experienced bullying (22 per cent reported witnessing bullying) at least two to three times per month in the past six months.

The NSW Minerals Council’s Mental Health and the NSW Minerals Industry report estimates an average of between 8000–10,000 industry employees experienced common mental illnesses like anxiety, depression or substance use disorders over a 12-month period.

It also estimated the cost (including lost productivity) to the industry, at between $320 million–$450 million per year.

“The government and regional authorities are stepping up regulatory enforcement of psychosocial hazards, and some states are introducing new psychosocial health regulations,” Workplace Health and Safety Show portfolio manager Stephen Blackie said.

“Employers who don’t take steps to ensure their mine workers feel safe, supported and healthy, could face hefty fines and prosecution.”

Everything you need, under one roof

Designed to provide attendees with key insights into the health and safety risks, challenges and regulatory changes, the Workplace Health and Safety Show is the premier destination for professionals who want to improve the safety and wellbeing of their workers.

WHSS will take place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from May 21–22 2025. Registration is free, and attendees will be able to connect with industry experts, innovators and regulators.

They’ll also discover the latest safety innovations at the show’s exhibition, where more than 180 leading suppliers will showcase cutting-edge safety equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE), and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven solutions.

WHSS also offers over 40 hours of free educational content, with tailored continuing professional development seminars, workshops and panel discussions, providing audience members with practical strategies to reduce incidents in their workplaces.

The High-Risk Safety Summit – one of the targeted summit programs on offer at WHSS – assembles a number of industry leaders and safety professionals to discuss a range of pertinent topics, from fall prevention and mental health to fire safety and the new silica standards.

“Visitors can expect hard-hitting case studies, expert panels and interactive discussions that go beyond compliance to build a stronger, safer future for their workplaces,” Blackie said.

The complete High-Risk Safety Summit agenda is available at https://whsshow.com.au/melbourne-2025-agenda/melbourne-high-risk-safety-summit