Who has the authority to take action if the level of risk is unacceptable?

The authority to take action when the level of risk is deemed unacceptable is granted to various parties involved in the mining environment, which includes any coal mine worker, inspectors, or designated officers. This broad authority ensures that all individuals who are present in the coal mine have the capability to identify and mitigate risks to health and safety.

Coal mine workers are often the first line of defense in recognizing unsafe conditions. Their hands-on experience equips them with the ability to address immediate threats to their safety or the safety of their colleagues. Additionally, inspectors and designated officers have specific responsibilities and training to enforce safety regulations and take necessary action when risks are identified.

This comprehensive approach to risk management emphasizes shared responsibility among all individuals in a coal mine, promoting a safety culture that empowers not just designated health personnel but also every worker involved to act in the interest of their health and safety. In contrast, limiting the authority to just a select few would undermine the collective responsibility needed in such high-risk environments.