The proposed act was flagged as a move to modernise industry regulation by consolidating safety controls and would initially replace the Mines Safety and Inspection Act of 1994.

“The intention is to place a greater focus on risk management and to be less prescriptive,” WA Mines Minister Bill Marmion said.

“The onus will be placed on industry to demonstrate they understand hazards and have control measures in place.”

Instruction of the new bill comes as Safe Work Australia tallies 11 mining-related deaths across the country so far this year.

This follows on a horror 2013, which saw an 80% increase in Australian mining deaths to 10.

In WA, recent incidents have included a 59-year old worker being killed by a rock fall at the Harlequin mine in February and the death of a 63-year-old man due to a machinery accident at the Brightstar mine in May.

After a call from Marmion to renew focus on safety, the new legislation was planned to incorporate the best elements of national models while maintaining flexibility for WA’s particular needs.

“While there is a clear need to align WA safety regulation with that of other jurisdictions, the state government recognises that what works in other parts of the country may not necessarily apply here,” the minister said today.

“The best aspects of the model laws will be adopted with those which do not suit the unique Western Australian context amended or removed as necessary.”

An important aspect of the legislation will be to simplify safety laws across the industry.

The bill will transfer responsibility for occupational safety and health for major hazard facilities to the Mines Department.

It is expected to be in place by 2016.

A review by the WA Mines Department found that the highest risk of worker accidents was in the first two years of a worker’s career.

The department called for industry submissions on new guidelines for safety and health supervision.