RSHQ 2026-2027 Priorities
RSHQ has just published its 2026–27 regulatory priorities. Here's what it means for your inspections.
Resources Safety and Health Queensland has released its Regulatory Priorities and Outcomes for 2026–27 and it's a clear signal of where targeted inspectorate campaigns, audits and compliance activity are heading over the coming months.
If you operate a coal mine, mineral mine or quarry, or hold explosives authorities, this is worth a close read.
Coal Mines
Psychosocial hazards — following on from 2025's audit campaign, expect continued targeted engagement and clearer reporting expectations.
Fatigue management — a risk-based audit campaign assessing current fatigue risk management practices is coming.
Vehicle collisions — inspections and audits assessing obligations against Recognised Standard 19 (design and construction of mine roads), plus scrutiny of collision avoidance systems, geofencing and speed control.
Misfires — a targeted campaign of inspections and audits.
Mobile equipment interactions with explosives — targeted inspections and audits of vehicle-interaction controls around explosives.
Strata — a data review, targeted audits of Principal Hazard Management Plans, and an update to Recognised Standard 12.
Use of polymeric chemicals — a new version of Recognised Standard 16 is coming, following the Grosvenor gas ignition incident.
Approved doctors — a review of health assessment decision-making under the Coal Mine Workers' Health Scheme.
Mineral Mines and Quarries
Vehicle collisions, misfires, and mobile equipment interactions with explosives all apply here too, plus:
Vehicle and mobile plant fires — targeted inspections and audits.
Inorganic minerals exposure — targeted campaign around lead and silica exceedances.
Explosives Industry
Unauthorised access to explosives — a targeted campaign on security controls, monitoring and reporting.
What this means for site compliance
Whatever the specific topic, a common thread runs through nearly every one of these priorities: the inspectorate will be testing whether your Material Unwanted Events (MUEs) are properly identified, whether your Critical Controls are documented and verifiably effective, and whether your Management Structure — Risk Owners, Control Implementers and Control Monitors — is properly established, delegated, and staffed by demonstrably competent people.
Vehicle collisions and mobile equipment/explosives interactions are MUE and critical-control questions. Misfires and unauthorised explosives access are Risk Owner accountability questions. Strata is a PHMP. In every case, inspectors will want to see that the people holding these delegations understand their obligations — and that the paperwork behind their appointments actually reflects that.
If any of this raises questions about whether your site's Management Structure, MUE framework, or Letters of Appointment would hold up under a targeted audit, reach out to us. This is exactly where My Competency Expert can help.