Mining psychosocial risk assessment
Top hazards, controls, shift nuances and evidence you can show an inspector for mining teams.
Top psychosocial hazards in mining
- Remote or isolated work that limits access to immediate support.Safe Work Australia
- High job demands from long shifts, compressed rosters and production pressures.Safe Work Australia
- Low support and supervision during fly-in fly-out (FIFO) swings.WorkSafe WA
- Exposure to violence or aggression in transport or camp environments.WorkSafe WA
- Camp conditions, fatigue and roster uncertainty affecting wellbeing.WA FIFO Code
Typical controls regulators expect
- Design rosters that balance job demands and provide recovery time between swings.WorkSafe WA
- Provide reliable communication systems, buddy arrangements and supervision for remote crews.Safe Work Australia
- Integrate contractors into consultation, pre-starts and change management so duties are coordinated.WorkSafe WA
- Offer information, training and access to trauma-informed support after violent or critical incidents.Safe Work Australia
- Audit camp environments and implement respectful behaviour programs referenced in the FIFO Code.WA FIFO Code
Roster and shift nuances
Most FIFO operations run extended shifts, so track cumulative hours, night shift sequences and travel delays to manage fatigue and remote work risks.WA FIFO Code
Sample toolbox talk
Today’s toolbox: recognise fatigue cues underground, commit to buddy checks before re-entry, and escalate concerns to the control room without fear of reprisal.
Close by reminding teams about Echo check-ins and how to escalate concerns confidentially.
Evidence to keep inspection-ready
- Latest psychosocial risk assessment with high-risk teams highlighted and consultation records attached.Model Code
- Communication and buddy check logs for remote workers and shift crews.Safe Work Australia
- Action register showing roster, camp and supervision improvements and their verification dates.WorkSafe WA
- Incident and review records for violence or aggression, including follow-up support provided.Safe Work Australia
Link back to the pillar resources
- Psychosocial risk pillar page for definitions and board context.
- Four-step assessment guide to document your process.
- Jurisdiction compliance summary for WA, NSW and QLD duties.
Frequently asked questions
How often should mining crews be consulted?
Consult workers and health and safety representatives at each step of the risk process, including during each swing through pre-starts, toolbox talks and Echo check-ins.Model Code
What about contractors on short-term shutdowns?
Include contractors in the same risk assessment, consultation and communication cadence so overlapping PCBUs can coordinate duties.WorkSafe WA
What evidence should we keep after an aggression incident?
Retain incident reports, consultation notes, support referrals and reviews of transport controls to show how risks were managed and monitored.Safe Work Australia