Rio exec to reform mining safety culture

Rio Tinto's general manager for health and safety, Bob Hirte has been seconded to the Department of Mines and Petroleum to help improve the way the regulator and industry work together.

"The State Government has committed to reforming the way safety and health in the resources industry is regulated," DMP director general Richard Sellers said.

"The appointment of Mr Hirte presents a unique opportunity for industry and the regulator to work together to improve safety across the resources industry.

"Having Mr Hirte, a very senior industry representative, working directly with the regulator shows that industry and the regulator are taking the safety reform process seriously," he said.

For the last two years, Mr Hirte has held the position of general manager - health & safety - Rio Tinto Iron Ore in WA.

"Prior to that I worked in Mine Operations GM and registered manager roles across a number of Rio Tinto Iron Ore residential and fly-in, fly-out mining operations," Mr Hirte said.

"I have also worked for contractors across Australia and New Zealand in project/contract manager roles.

"I believe my broad experience, which covers site-based as well as corporate roles, line management as well as contractor, enables me to give a balanced and informed view of the needs and issues, risks and opportunities facing the mining industry on health and safety.

"It is vitally important that there is a common understanding between the mining industry and the regulator to ensure we can work together to improve health and safety across all operations.

"I see this as a unique opportunity to help bring about a sustainable change from which we can all benefit."

Mr Sellers said it was critical Mr Hirte had a hands on role in working with the regulator.

"We are expecting a number of new inspectors as a part of these reforms, so the timing of Mr Hirte's appointment is ideal," he said.

Mr Hirte will be based with RSD and work closely with inspectors and the Safety Reform Project Team.