Professor David Cliff
Professor David Cliff has worked in Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) in mining for the past thirty-two years. During this time, he has been involved in a number of major incident investigations and assisted governments in New Zealand, Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia. David has been active in providing assistance to developing countries in improving their governance of mining OHS. In 2016 he was a member of the Australia India Education Council Eminent Researcher Lecture Program.
David has worked closely with the mining industries in Australia and overseas, particularly with coal mining companies. he has collaborated with governments in China, Mongolia, Peru, Colombia, Indonesia, South Africa, India, and New Zealand. David has also undertaken projects for the World Bank and the National Academy of Sciences in the USA.
Industry Engagement
David specialises in OHS in mining research and education, with a particular focus on risk management. His research covers a range of topics including principal hazard management, health and safety systems and occupational health management. David has analysed the statistics relating to health and safety and leading positive performance indicators. He is internationally recognised for managing fires and explosions in underground coal mines and providing consultancy on improving OHS performance.
David's recent research has broadened to include trying to understand the mechanisms for improving OHS in developing countries and looking at the drivers for the various interest groups.
Collaborations
David has undertaken research with SIMTARS, QUT, GU, UNSW, NSW Mines Rescue Service, Queensland Mines Rescue Service and the University of the Andes (Columbia).
Funding
A substantial amount of David's research funding has come from ACARP and Coal Services. He has also undertaken several commissioned research projects for the Queensland and New South Wales Governments.