ECU to host Professional Chair in Mining Work Health and Safety

Edith Cowan University (ECU) is the successful applicant for a new mining sector initiative, the Professional Chair in Mining Work Health and Safety.

Funded as part of the State Government’s commitment to the mental awareness, respect and safety (MARS) program, the professional chair will bring tertiary institutions, government and industry together to develop undergraduate and postgraduate education for future mining industry workers.

The initiative will also create and oversee a leading-edge research centre for mining work health and safety.

Launched by the State Government in December 2021, the MARS program boosts responses to mental health, mine safety and workplace culture in WA.

WA Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston congratulated ECU on the success.

“I would like to congratulate ECU on their successful application to host the new Professional Chair in Mining Work Health and Safety,” he said.

“ECU’s application reflected a strong desire to host the Professional Chair in alignment with the MARS program’s well-defined objectives.

“We will continue to collaborate with employers, employees, their representatives and the community to proactively prevent inappropriate workplace behaviour.”

The Cook Government will provide $1m per year for three years with ECU matching that amount.

Across the three years, total support is expected to total nearly $11m.