Last reviewed: October 2026
What is a principal mining hazard?
WorkSafe WA defines a principal mining hazard as any activity, process, procedure, plant, structure, substance, situation or other circumstance in mining operations that has a reasonable potential to result in fatalities — either in a single event or through recurring incidents.
The hazards WorkSafe WA lists include:
- geotechnical instability
- uncontrolled inrush of substances
- mine shafts and winding systems
- roads or other areas where mobile plant is operated
- fire or uncontrolled explosions
- gas outbursts and spontaneous combustion in underground coal mines
- any other hazard the mine operator identifies as a principal mining hazard
The legal requirement
Regulations 627–629 of the Work Health and Safety (Mines) Regulations 2022 (WA) deal with principal mining hazard management plans (PMHMPs).
What a PMHMP should contain
- a description of each principal mining hazard
- the risk assessment method used and its outcomes
- the control measures, and how they will be implemented
- performance standards, and how the controls will be audited and reviewed
- triggers for shutting down an activity, and what must happen if a control fails
Consultation and review
Workers and their representatives should be consulted when plans are developed and reviewed. A plan must be updated after an incident or when the hazard changes, and the revised plan communicated to workers, with training where needed.
WorkSafe WA publishes a Principal mining hazard management plans: Guide and a self-assessment tool to help operators check their plans.
Common weaknesses
- Controls listed but no performance standard showing what "working" looks like.
- No clear owner or verification record for critical controls.
- Plans written once and not updated after incidents or changes.
- Content that workers and supervisors never see.
Need a PMHMP developed or reviewed? See Principal mining hazard management plans or talk to Chris.
Official sources
- WorkSafe WA — Principal mining hazard management plan
- WorkSafe WA — Principal mining hazard management plans: Guide
- WorkSafe WA — PMHMP self-assessment
This guide is general information about Western Australian requirements as published by WorkSafe WA at the time of review. It is not legal advice. Always check the current legislation, codes of practice and guidance for your circumstances.