The Queensland Government is appointing more inspectors in response to recent mine-related tragedies.

Mines and quarries in the state have been ordered to undertake a “safety reset” by the end of August.

This is expected to involve discussions between management, operational staff and union reps on risks and safety protocols.

There will also be independent reviews into the deaths of mine workers over the past 20 years and the effectiveness of the state’s mining health and safety legislation.

This comes in addition to the appointment of two new mine inspectors and a new chief inspector.

Queensland Resources Council (QRC) chief executive Ian Macfarlane - the former federal industry minister under Tony Abbott - says the mining lobby “has committed to work with the government on the two safety reviews established by [Queensland mines minister Anthony Lynham],” as well as the safety reset.

“The objective must be to reach every worker across every shift, therefore these resets will be tailored to the individual sites and their various rostering and operational requirements,” Mr Macfarlane said.

“QRC will work with the employee representatives – the CFMEU and the AWU – to ensure our industry has the most robust safety culture it can and that two-way conversations between management and operational staff are ongoing.”

The QRC also says it will take part in a safety forum at the annual Queensland Mining Industry Health and Safety Conference next month.

It also promised to work on the government’s proposal for legislation on the offence of ‘industrial manslaughter’.

The Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) has urged authorities to impose better safety regulations for Queensland mines as soon as possible.

“At this meeting, we made it clear that more needs to be done to hold the mining industry and safety regulator accountable for worker safety,” AWU Queensland branch secretary Steve Baker said.

The AWU want new and improved protections for workers speaking out about safety issues.

The union wants legislation to create the offence of industrial manslaughter too.