Safety Alerts and Newsletters
Keep up with the latest safety alerts, news and information
Safety Alerts
24 March 2021
NSW Weekly Incident Summary – Mine Safety News
This incident summary provides information on reportable incidents and safety advice for the NSW mining industry. To report an incident to the NSW Resources Regulator: phone 1300 814 609, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
AT A GLANCE
A high-level summary of emerging trends and our recommendations to operators. Week ending Friday, 5 March, 2021.
24 March 2021
MinEx – A boom lift slides during stabilisation phase
Flash accident
Description
When working in an area with a steep slope, a boom lift slipped while the stabilising skids were being extended.
Cause
• Steepslope (21%)
• The boom lift was positioned with the rear on the slope
• The 4 wheels were lifted off the ground.
Consequences
One of the workers injured his back while trying to control the machine. The boom lift slid on the stabilising runners for several metres and tore off a neighbour’s mailbox. The consequences could have been dramatic.
23 March 2021
MinEx – Uncontrolled release of bitumen from gantry hose
What happened?
A Higgins bitumen sprayer was positioned under the plant gantry hose in preparation to transfer bitumen. The Sprayer Operator advised the asphalt plant operator of the bitumen quantity required. The asphalt plant operator then proceeded to turn the tank valve on from the control room.
At approximately 10.15am after turning the valve on, bitumen started flowing out of the gantry line onto the bitumen sprayer and surrounding surfaced area. The Sprayer Operator, who was standing approximately 10m away from the bitumen sprayer, then started yelling out to the asphalt plant operator to stop the pump from the control room.
23 March 2021
MinEx – 3 Machinery overturning incidents in 1 month
Circumstances
- Overturning of an excavator while handling a strut: excavator not facing the direction of travel when travelling with a load on a slope
- Overturning of a toucan aerial work platform while travelling across a ramp: the aerial lift gets onto the ramp with the counterweights on the low-point end of the ramp
- Overturning of a mini-excavator while transporting soil: the operator runs one of the loaded mini-excavator’s track over a pit.
22 March 2021
MinEx – Operator working at height on top of loader with no fall restraint and engine running
Brief Description
An Operator was observed on video footage exiting the cabin and climbing on top of an underground loader via the articulation area/midship steps and rear steps to adjust vent.
Whilst Operator was on top of the loader, the engine was still running. The Operator was not safeguarded by a fall prevention system or protection device.
On review of the footage, the Operator was observed to conduct the activity on more than one occasion.
22 March 2021
NZ Safety Alert – Rockfall damages excavator
While an excavator was working at the toe of a bench, a rock fell out of the face hitting the excavator. The excavator was damaged, but no injuries were sustained by the operator.
The MinEx field booklet, “Slope stability in opencast mines and quarries,” states that: “A catch bund is an important control to minimise exposure of quarry workers to ground failure hazards and contain rock falls. The dimensions and position of the catch bund will depend on the size of the potential slope failure or rockfall.”
12 February 2021
January 2021: Elevated work box falls from integrated tool carrier
This safety alert provides safety advice for the NSW mining industry.
Background
Issue
A workbox detached and fell two metres from an integrated tool carrier(IT). The workbox hit the ground and rolled 90 degrees onto its side. Two mine workers located in the workbox,were partially ejected from the workbox and suffered minor injuries.
Circumstances
The incident occurred on 9 January 2021.
Two workers were tasked with installing a secondary vent fan from the roof (backs) in the main decline of an underground metalliferous mine using an integrated tool carrier (IT) and combination fan lifting/ workbox. The workbox, with fan restrained, had been attached to the IT during the previous shift and parked in a nearby adjacent heading ready for the commencement of work. In line with the requirements of a pre-start inspection, the operator believed he had ‘confirmed’ engagement of the attachment locking pins by lifting the work box from the ground and tilting it forward. He did not visually inspect the locking pins to ensure they had fully engaged the workbox attachment.
12 February 2021
NSW Weekly Incident Summary – Mine Safety News
This incident summary provides information on reportable incidents and safety advice for the NSW mining industry. To report an incident to the NSW Resources Regulator: phone 1300 814 609,24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
AT A GLANCE
High-level summary of emerging trends and our recommendations to operators. Please note the reportable incident total is recorded for the period 16 January 2021 to 22 January 2021.
11 February 2021
MinEx – Dangers of unguarded machinery and plant
The purpose of this Safety Alert is to highlight the risk of serious or fatal injuries when working on or near unguarded machinery.
Background
In late December 2020, a Territory cattle station worker failed to return after checking bores on the property. The worker was later found entangled in a bore pump with fatal injuries. Preliminary findings indicate the workers clothing got caught in the bore pump’s moving parts.
Possible contributing factors
The pump’s pulley’s and belt were unguarded exposing the worker to a number of hazards including entanglement, friction and abrasion hazards, when the pump was running.
11 February 2021
COVID-19 UPDATE FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA’S RESOURCES SECTOR
South Australia has amended restrictions on travellers arriving in South Australia from the Greater Melbourne region.
The changed restrictions are available on the South Australian Government’s Cross-Border Directions web page as Emergency Management (Cross Border Travel No 36) (COVID-19) Direction 2021, which came into effect from 12 midnight Thursday 11 February 2021.
The updated directions also maintain the previous cross-border restrictions on travellers from prohibited zones in Western Australia and New South Wales.
10 February 2021
MinEx – Fatality Alert – Mine Fatalities
On December 14, 2020, two miners died when a back failure occurred in a large four-way intersection. The miners were pumping sealing grout in the intersection when blocks of salt and anhydrite fell from beneath a slickenside onto the miners.
Best Practices
• In areas of excessive span or adverse geology:
• Install supplemental ground support to control strata movement.
• Install sag monitors or extensometers to detect ground movement or strata separation.
• Drill and evaluate test holes for strata separation using a borescope or scratch test.
10 February 2021
MinEx – NZ Alert – Injury while breaking rock
A worker was using a hammer and bolster to break rock at a quarry when he missed the bolster and hit his wrist, resulting in bruising to his wrist.
The task was early in the workers shift and he admitted to “rushing” the job.
There has been a significant increase in occupational injuries from the use of hand tools and other equipment over the past 18 months.
Many of these have been due to; lack of attention by the worker, use of inappropriate tools and equipment, and unsuitable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
11 December 2020
NSW Weekly Incident Summary – Mine Safety News
55 reportable incidents, 3 summarised below
DANGEROUS INCIDENTS
Summary: A worker was trapped under the cab of a loader when the cab lowered onto him as he was working beneath it. The worker was trapped for about three minutes before he was released. Preliminary investigation found that the cab was unsupported at the time. No locking pin or chock was used to hold the raised cab in place. The worker sustained minor injuries.
Comments to industry: This incident is under investigation and a full report will be published at a later date. Under no circumstances should an operator work beneath an unsupported cab. OEM recommended chocks and locking pins should be used to secure the raised cab in place.
9 December 2020
Safe Work Australia – this Summer
This Summer, ensure that you know the hazards of working in heat and in air pollution
This time last year, parts of Australia were badly affected by extreme heat and bushfires. Working in heat and/or in air pollution can be hazardous and can cause harm to workers in both indoor and outdoor work environments.
Employers must take precautions this summer and know the risks of working in heat and/or air pollution and protect worker health and safety.
Over the 10 years from 2009-10 to 2018-19p, there were 1,774 workers’ compensation claims resulting from working in heat.
1,679 of these claims were from working in the sun
- 940 of these claims were cancer-related
- 441 of these were claims regarding heat stroke or heat stress
- 95 of these claims were from working in hot indoor conditions
25 September 2020
MinEx – Risks associated with workers being crushed by plant
A number of Australian workers have been seriously injured or killed because vehicles haven’t been safely immobilised while work is being done on or around them. Duty holders must ensure trucks, trailers, and mobile plant are safely immobilised when they exit these vehicles or work around them. Minimum controls such as handbrakes and chocks could prevent damage or worse death/injury.
Recommendations are provided to reduce being hit or crushed by vehicles.
25 September 2020
MinEx – A bracket breaks and flies 5m into public space
What happened?
At 2.59 pm Monday 6th July. The Piling crew attached the Rigs auxiliary line to a casing and started to lift it with the line still secured behind the stowage bracket located on the rotary head of the rig. The Banksman would normally release the line from behind the bracket before it’s attached to any load, this was overlooked in this instance.
As the auxiliary rope came under tension to lift the casing the rope pulled the bracket off the rig sending it flying through the air 5 metres above ground level and dropped onto the site boundary fencing and then dropped into the public footpath. Fortunately No one was on the footpath.
The Bracket weighs approx.1.5kg and is 300mm x 400 mm x 25 mm.
24 September 2020
MinEx – NSW Summary – Worker suffered fluid injection injury to finger
A worker was removing an accumulator from a raise boring rig on the surface laydown area. During this activity, he suffered a fluid injection injury to his left-hand ring finger. The worker was admitted to hospital and underwent surgery.
Mine operators are reminded that effective isolation and energy dissipation are critical risk controls when working on high pressure fluid systems. Methods for dissipation of energy must be established and communicated for work on each part of a high pressure system
This incident summary provides information on reportable incidents and safety advice for the NSW mining industry. To report an incident to the NSW Resources Regulator: phone 1300 814 609 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
24 September 2020
MinEx – Work vehicle pushed by flood water off causeway
What happened?
At approximately 6.30 a.m. a work vehicle was driving down Falls Road towards the Wyllie Road office. The vehicle attempted to cross the causeway which had approximately 300mm of water running over it.
During the crossing the rear passenger wheel dropped off the causeway, resulting in the vehicle being incapacitated. The vehicle was then pushed by the flood water off the causeway. The driver exited the vehicle by climbing out the window.
An incident investigation is currently underway.
23 September 2020
MinEx – WorkSafe – New resource: Induction video
This video is for businesses to use during their new starter induction process. It provides your new staff with a high level overview of their rights and responsibilities when it comes to health and safety.
23 September 2020
MinEx – NZ Alert – Severe weather events
Heavy rain recently has caused ground instability, including washouts and slips over the top of the North Island and Gisborne areas.
Such weather and saturated ground inevitably impacts on mine and quarry sites, making haul roads slippery and stockpiles and benches potentially unstable.
Fall of ground has killed workers in New Zealand and slippery conditions have led to loss of control of vehicle incidents.
22 September 2020
eSAFE Incident Alert
In August 2020, a man suffered serious injuries after falling from an earthmoving machine he was apparently doing maintenance on. Early investigations indicate the man fell while exiting the machine.
Investigations are continuing.
IMPORTANT: These findings are not yet confirmed, and investigations are continuing into the exact cause.
Preventing a similar incident
The operation of powered mobile plant which includes but is not limited to earthmoving machinery (e.g. graders, scrapers, bulldozers and excavators) at workplaces, exposes people to a range of health and safety risks. These include:
- plant operators and service personnel falling from earthmoving equipment during onsite inspection, maintenance or repairs. (Source – Worksafe Victoria)
- the plant colliding or contacting people or objects such as other vehicles or plant and energised powerlines
- the plant overturning
- objects falling on the operator.
21 September 2020
Working with silica – translated guides
21 September 2020
Changes to the workplace exposure standard for silica dust
The workplace exposure standard (WES) for respirable crystalline silica (silica dust) has recently halved. If you work with materials like engineered stone, concrete or tiles, use the new silica checklist to see if you need to implement additional control measures in your workplace so that the WES is not exceeded.
Safe Work Australia has published information, including a checklist, to help persons conducting a business or undertaking (for example, an employer or small business owner) to understand the changes to the WES for silica dust, and to assess and effectively manage the risks of silica dust in their workplace.
17 September 2020
MinEx – Alluvial Gold H&S Management Plan Template
The Codes of Practice and supporting Guidelines are designed to promote health and safety standards within the New Zealand mining and quarrying industry. While MinEx has tried to ensure the Code and Guidelines will comply with applicable legislation, it is entirely the user’s responsibility to ensure that their practices comply with all legal requirements, and users of the Codes and / or Guidelines acknowledge that MinEx has no responsibility or liability whatsoever in relation to the contents of the Codes, or in respect of anything done or not done in reliance on the Codes and / or Guidelines.
Further, while the Codes provide an outline of relevant legislation, the information presented is in summary form only and MinEx makes no warranty as to its accuracy and completeness.
16 September 2020
MinEx – NSW Summary – Make sure to secure plant that has potential to move
Plant that has the potential to move under strain should be secured in position where possible. A worker was found unresponsive in a load haul dump machine (LHD) on the main travel road at an underground coal mine. Attempts to revive the worker were unsuccessful. The LHD was running at the time the worker was found.
This incident is under investigation and the cause of death is unknown at the time of publication.
This incident summary provides information on reportable incidents and safety advice for the NSW mining industry. To report an incident to the NSW Resources Regulator: phone 1300 814 609 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
16 September 2020
MinEx – Structural Failure: Overburden drill mast
What happened?
On 19 August 2020 a carousel wear plate, weighing approximately 1 kilogram, fell from a height of 12 metres from the drill mast and landed on the deck of the drill near the cab door.
The Mines Inspectorate is aware that this is not an isolated incident, having raised Safety Alerts on similar incidents previously.
15 September 2020
MinEx – Injuries received from rib spall while working on continuous miner
What happened?
On 27 July 2020 two Coal Mine Workers (CMWs) received serious injuries from rib spall while working on a continuous miner in a development panel heading.
The incident occurred as the CMWs were installing roof support and extending ventilation tubes. An inspection of the site revealed that the machine mounted rib protection system installed on the continuous miner did not provide an effective control for this hazard. The distance between the top of the rib protector and the mine roof impacting the CMWs.
15 September 2020
MinEx – Adequacy of windrows (bunds) for vehicle impact
Since January 2018, more than 180 interactions with windrows (or bunds) have been reported on Western Australian mine sites. These involved vehicles breaching windrows, with incidents resulting in injuries to workers and one fatality.
Windrows are a safety device to prevent workers in vehicles, and those working in the areas below, from being exposed to more severe hazards when a vehicle has a loss of control. Regulation13.7(5) of the Mines Safety and Inspection Regulations states that the manager of a mine must ensure that an adequate windrow or bund of material is provided on the outer edge of roadways in the open pit and on the outer edge of any roadway on the surface adjacent to a bank or steep slope.
Mines inspectors have identified more than 150 defects and issued notices related to the inadequacy of bunds or windrows. An analysis of serious injuries and fatalities in the last two years shows that:
- in 80% of cases, the windrow was not adequate for the vehicle impact
- in 60% of cases, the vehicle was not travelling parallel to the windrow, impacting the windrow perpendicular to, or up to an angle of 45 degrees.
15 September 2020
MinEx – NZ Alert – Worker falls off dozer track
A mechanic was standing on the track of a dozer in order to remove the seat to access a hydraulic hose that had burst. The seat was very heavy and too much for one person to carry.
The mechanic slipped and fell from the dozer track fracturing his shoulder.
COVID-19 distancing protocols may have driven the decision to conduct this task alone.
Falls are a major cause of fatalities in the extractives sector, both in New Zealand and internationally. Of the eight fatalities in the extractives sector since 2011, five of them were a result of falls.
15 September 2020
Premier’s Awards 2020 in Energy and Mining – OPEN NOW
Innovation, collaboration and resilience are the cornerstones of South Australia’s energy and mining sectors. In the pandemic of 2020, never have these qualities been more critical to the ongoing success of the state.
Energy and mining companies across the supply chain have worked smarter and more efficiently to keep essential industries in business and at the same time, continued to ensure the physical and mental wellbeing of the workforce.
Each year, the Premier’s Awards in Energy and Mining recognises the sectors’ dynamism and persistence. The Department for Energy and Mining is delighted to launch this year’s call for entrants to these prestigious awards.
This is a chance for companies and individuals to highlight the achievements of the past year, which have demonstrated excellence and provided value to South Australia.
The awards’ portal is now open, and submissions can be made until 5pm on Friday 2 October.
In a year of social distancing, the 2020 Premier’s Awards event will move to a live, online broadcast.
Please join in the celebrations by saving the date for Thursday 26 November.
23 June 2020
eSAFE Incident Alert – Young worker injured by lifting hook
In April 2020, a young worker was injured after being struck by a lifting chain hook while helping a colleague move equipment. They were using a crane in a storage yard.
It appears one of the hooks on the lifting chain was not correctly positioned on the load. With tension on the chain, it’s believed the worker attempted to knock the sling hook so that it would move into the correct position. However, the sling hook detached from the load and struck the young worker.
23 June 2020
MinEx Safety Alert – Important
Upon receiving a ‘Safety Alert’, mine, quarry and alluvial mining operators are urged to check their own installations to identify and eliminate similar hazards. Please also disseminate the safety alert as wide as possible within the mining and quarry industry to get these safety messages out.
11 June 2020
Incident Alert – Worker seriously crushed by frontend loader
In April 2020, a man suffered serious injuries after being crushed by a frontend loader. Initial enquiries found the operator got out of the cabin to untie a hay bale when the vehicle started rolling down a slope. It appears the operator was attempting to re-enter the cabin when he was trapped between the moving plant and a gate post.
23 March 2020
COVID-19 BUSINESS CONTINUITY IN MINING AND QUARRYING OPERATIONS
Due to the health crisis caused by COVID-19, companies in the extractives sector can and should continue to operate in accordance with guidance issued by the Government and Ministry of Health.
It is essential to combine the containment of the virus with the maintenance of economic activity and the protection of the health of workers.
This document will be updated, if necessary, in accordance with the recommendations of the Health authorities as they are made public.
2 March 2020
MinEx Safety Alert – NSW Summary – Tipper truck’s axle trailer tips
A six-wheel tipper truck towing an axle trailer was tipping a load when the axel trailer tipped onto its side. The truck was unable to tip at the unloading area because of weather conditions. The operator was asked to tip on a bitumen roadway instead.
No-one was injured or was in the area at the time of this incident.
28 February 2020
MinEx Safety Alert – Light vehicle drives over open edge
A worker was completing clearance duties before an overburden blast. The worker drove the light vehicle through an opening in the bund, which was opened before the blast to allow two drill rigs to tram from the blast area.
The worker continued driving toward what he believed was an access ramp, but instead, drove over the edge of a bench. The light vehicle fell about 12 metres before hitting the ground, then rolling onto its roof. The worker freed himself and used a hand-held radio to call for help. The worker was taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital. He was later transported to another hospital by helicopter.
27 February 2020
MinEx Safety Alert – Fatality – Tyre Fitting
On Sunday 12 January 2020 a 33yr old contract tyre fitter was fatally injured whilst changing a large wheel assembly (tyre and rim) on a rear axle expanding low loader at an open cut coal mine in Queensland’s Bowen Basin.
The tyre fitter was found trapped underneath a wheel assembly.
26 February 2020
MinEx NZ Safety Alert – Parked truck rolls backwards and collides into another truck
A truck driver arrived to deliver a waste skip to a worksite located on Hargreaves Street. The street has an incline of approximately 15 degrees.
He drove into site with the truck facing uphill. To place the bin in the required location he had to reverse into a position adjacent to a second, stationary truck which was doing hydro excavation work. The truck was positioned at an angle to the stationary truck. The driver stopped the truck and applied the park brake.
The driver got out of his truck and walked towards our foreman and spotter. While the three of them were talking of where to position the bin exactly, our foreman noticed the truck started rolling backwards and notified the driver.
25 February 2020
MinEx NZ Safety Alert – Businesses must separate people from plant
An export log firm was sentenced today after a worker suffered fatal crushing injuries.
Mangere based company Guru NZ Limited was ordered to pay a fine of $330,750 at the Manukau District Court after a worker was crushed between a shipping container and the grapple of an excavator in September 2017. The worker later died from injuries sustained.
At the time of the incident the victim was helping a colleague to close doors on a container filled with logs for export. The majority of the containers were closed manually, however when containers became distorted an excavator was used to assist workers on the ground to shut its doors.
24 February 2020
MinEx NZ Safety Alert – Fire destroys excavator
A loader driver at a quarry spotted smoke coming from the engine bay of a 50 tonne excavator.
He alerted other workers to the fire and three workers tried to extinguish the fire by emptying their fire extinguishers.
The fire could not be extinguished, and the excavator was destroyed.
31 January 2020
Safety Alert issued following hot works quarry fire
WorkSafe Victoria recently issued a safety alert about the risks associated with hot works, after a hopper liner and screen caught fire at a quarry.
The fire started while bolts were being cut with an oxy-acetylene torch during maintenance activities, and emergency services were required to extinguish the fire.
22 January 2020
Important – MinEx Safety Alert
Upon receiving a ‘Safety Alert’, mine, quarry and alluvial mining operators are urged to check their own installations to identify and eliminate similar hazards.
- NZ Alert – Crush injury while welding
- UHF radio transmitter causes MEWP to move
- Excavator hits operator causing injuries
- Electrical shock incident while tidying cables
- NSW Summary – Rock fall hits excavator
- NSW Summary – Rock fall traps underground miner.
22 August 2019
Fatality Alert
MSHA – Mine fatality alert from the US Dept. of Labour MSHA – Mine fatality alert – struck by falling hydraulic breaker
MSHA Mine Fatality
On Wednesday, July 17, 2019, a 32-year old general manager/owner was killed when he was struck by a hydraulic breaker. The victim and the excavator operator were in the process of positioning the excavator for a motor exchange when the hydraulic breaker attachment fell off the excavator and hit the victim.
21 August 2019
Lack of bunding on accessible edges
This safety bulletin provides safety advice for the NSW mining industry.
Open edges on stockpiles, tip heads, ramps and dams.
Circumstances
During recent inspections, the NSW Resources Regulator has identified that effective controls are not always in place to protect workers to the exposure of driving off open edges, falling from heights or falling into open bodies of water. Open edges on stockpiles, waste dumps, ramps and dams were frequently identified with absent or inconsistent windrows or bunding in place.
Edge, ramp and tipping bunds/windrows are required to ensure the safety of heavy machinery operators.
20 August 2019
Retractable access ladders
Queensland Government – Mines safety alert no.366
What happened?
An operator was fatally injured when he became entangled between the movable part of an excavator’s access ladder and the wall of the engine room.
26 July 2019
Serious injury to worker involving a mobile screening plant
What happened?
On Thursday the 18th July an apprentice diesel mechanic became trapped between the rear of the incline conveyor and the chassis rail of a mobile screening plant. The worker sustained serious injuries requiring medivac and hospitalisation.
Two other quarry workers who were nearby saw the incline conveyor slide downwards and responded immediately to the trapped worker. They used an excavator and chains to pull the incline conveyor upwards to free the worker.
15 January 2019
Working in Heat: Not just an outdoor problem
Working in heat can be hazardous and can cause harm to workers in both indoor and outdoor work environments.
Factory workers who use hot plant and workers who work in roof cavities with minimal air flow, are just some examples of workers at risk of heat-related illness indoors.
Businesses have duties under work health and safety laws to manage health risks in the workplace, including those associated with working in heat.
To help you identify hazards in your workplace you should talk to workers, including any health and safety representatives, and other duty holders.
To make sure you and your workers stay safe in summer, visit the Safe Work Australia website for more information and download a copy of the guide to managing the risks of working in heat.
17 July 2018
Near miss between light vehicle and haul truck
The hazards of complex intersection design in open cut mines were highlighted when a light vehicle operator had to take evasive action to prevent a collision with a haul truck at a site on 28 June 2018.
09 April 2018
Reclassification of welding fume as carcinogenic from an Australian perspective
05 April 2018
Warning devices on powered mobile plant
Guidance for employers, self-employed persons and people who have management and control of a workplace (legal duty holders) about the unsafe work practice of deactivating warning devices on powered mobile plant.
09 January 2018
As the weather heats up, it’s time to review your workplace to make sure you and your workers stay safe.
Safe Work Australia has published a new Guide for managing the risks of working heat. You can access the new guide and more information on our website.
Heat is a hazard in many Australian workplaces, whether work is performed indoors or outdoors, so we have published a new guide on working in heat.
People in control of the workplace, such as managers and supervisors, and workers all have duties under work health and safety laws to manage risks to worker health and safety, such as those associated with working in heat.
First aid fact sheet now available
Need help in a hurry? See our First aid fact sheet for information on recognising and treating the most common forms of heat-related illness.
20 July 2017
Lack of pillar support – underground opal mines
New South Wales Resources Regulator identified an underground mining site in Lighting Ridge which had insufficient primary support and no secondary support in large sections of the site.
27 June 2017
Injured worker not discovered and treated for extended period
The driver of a service vehicle was travelling along a haul road to a satellite pit to deliver fuel. The area had experienced overnight rain, and the driver lost control of the loaded vehicle. The light vehicle mounted a verge and rolled onto its roof. The driver was unable to call for assistance due to the damaged radio aerial and absence of a back-up communication system. There was a delay in the arrival of the emergency responders before the driver was taken to a regional hospital for treatment.
17 May 2017
Hydraulic power pack and ram failure causing death
WorkSafe New Zealand has issued a safety alert after a mine worker was fatally struck by high-pressure hydraulic fluid, which erupted from a ram while the worker performed maintenance on the rear struts of a dump truck.
12 May 2017
Fitter struck in chest by packing plate released under pressure
A significant incident report has been released after a packing plate beneath the hydraulic ram on a broken down cone crusher dislodged under pressure and struck a fitter, inflicting serious chest injuries.
12 May 2017
Use of an excavator bucket as a lifting point
The Western Australian Department of Mines and Petroleum released another safety bulletin after finding that a number of mines are unsafely allowing excavator operators to use their excavator’s bucket teeth as lifting points when relocating equipment.
12 May 2017
Ratchet vehicle support stands
This safety bulletin has been issued after identifying a number of defective ratchet support stands at mining operations. Incorrect handling or use of a ratchet vehicle support stand in a manner not intended by the manufacturer may lead to a damaged lock pin or defective components. This damage may result in the sudden failure of the stand to support a load and could lead to serious or fatal injuries for workers or those in the vicinity.
21 APRIL 2017
Pneumatic air tool fitting fails
A worker was struck on the left forearm with compressed and foreign particles when a swivel fitting on an air hose detached from the pneumatic ratchet he was using. The incident occurred at a New South Wales mine on 10 March 2017.
25 JANUARY 2017
Driver thrown from cab in articulated truck roll over
A trainee operator was reversing a 27 tonne articulated dump truck to tip a load of wet sand in a stockpile area. The right hand rear wheels rode up onto the edge of an existing stockpile and the load in the tub shifted, tipping the trailer onto its side and rocking the cab violently. The operator was thrown about in the cab, first striking and breaking the driver’s window and then striking, breaking and falling through the passenger side window to the ground. The operator suffered lacerations to his arm and head which required hospital treatment.
25 November 2016
Sudden failure of feed hopper
A plant operator heard an unusual noise coming from the run of mine (ROM) feed hopper. On inspection, the plant operator found the feed hopper had collapsed onto the plant feed conveyor.
09 JUNE 2016
Another worker injured in IT work basket crush incident
A worker has been seriously injured after being crushed in an integrated tool carrier work basket incident underground. The incident occurred in March, when two servicemen were working in an IT carrier, removing pipe services from the sidewall and backs of an extra-high excavation.
30 May 2016
Working near slopes in quarries
This safety alert highlights the risk of working near the crest and toes of slopes in quarries and provides advice on how to reduce the risk of slope failure. In a recent incident, a fatality occurred at a quarry when a dump truck was tipping waste material over the crest of a dump head and the slope failed.
09 March 2016
Guards and discs on angle grinders
This safety alert highlights the risks associated with removing guards and using incorrect discs on angle grinders. In early February 2016, a Queensland worker received fatal injuries while operating a 230 mm (9 inch) angle grinder. The worker was killed when part of a broken disc struck the worker’s chest. It appears that due to the high impact of the projectile it caused fatal internal injuries.
22 FEBRUARY 2016
Driver loses control of light vehicle and crashes in underground mine
The driver of a personnel transport and service vehicle (single cabin, four-wheel drive traytop utility) lost control of the vehicle while travelling down a decline into an underground mine and crashed into a wall.
Training Resources
4 September 2020
South Australian COVID-19 Awareness Training
Keeping yourself and others safe
This 30-minute online training module is for tourism workers in all settings.
It covers the fundamentals of infection prevention and control for COVID-19.
What the training covers
This training module covers the fundamentals of infection prevention and control for COVID-19 including:
- What is COVID-19?
- Symptoms to watch out for
- How to keep yourself and others safe
- What to do if you think you might have COVID-19
- Tips and additional information
Users must register, but registration is open to anyone.
Safety Resources
3 February 2020
First aid for heat-related illness
Workplaces have a duty to provide first aid equipment and facilities, and access to trained first aid officers, for sick or injured workers. Heat-related illness is progressive. If the worker is not treated or remains in a hot environment, it can be fatal.
The following fact sheet provides advice and guidance on providing first aid to someone experiencing a heat-related illness.
31 January 2020
Expert develops fact sheets on bushfire smoke
Professor Sotiris Vardoulakis, an air quality and health expert from the Australian National University’s Research School of Population Health, has developed freely accessible fact sheets on how to best protect yourself from bushfire smoke. The fact sheets were developed because Professor Vardoulakis believed people needed more comprehensive and balanced health protection advice, as Australians deal with unprecedented levels of bushfire smoke.
“The existing public health advice on bushfire smoke is mainly tailored to brief air pollution episodes, typically lasting no longer than one or two days. But this is not normal, and we need to urgently do more. People need to be able to access the best information out there simply and quickly,” Vardoulakis said.
30 January 2020
Guide for managing the risks of working in heat
People in control of the workplace, such as managers and supervisors, and workers all have duties under WHS laws to manage risks to worker health and safety, such as those associated with working in heat.
This guide is useful for employers and workers in the transport, postal/warehousing, construction and public administration and safety industries, as well as labourers and protective service workers.
The following guide provides information on how to manage the risks associated with working in heat and what to do if a worker begins to suffer from a heat-related illness.
Info Alerts
22 January 2021
Safe Work Australia – Elevating Work Platforms
Did you know that elevating work platforms need to be inspected at least annually?
Safe Work Australia has published new guidance for inspecting and maintaining elevating work platforms.
Elevating work platforms are high risk equipment that have caused 9 worker fatalities in the past 5 years (2015-2019). An inspection, maintenance and testing program is crucial to assess their safe operation.
Employers are responsible for keeping workers safe and this includes ensuring that plant equipment is inspected and maintained. Elevating work platforms need to be inspected at least annually.
Employers must also ensure that workers are given the necessary information, training, instruction and supervision to use elevating work platforms safely.
Download the Guide to inspecting and maintaining elevating work platforms to assist you in making sure your workplace is safe for everyone.
20 January 2021
Workplace exposure standards – public feedback
Public feedback on the draft reports for airborne contaminants contained in releases 2-14 will close on 1 February 2021
Safe Work Australia is reviewing the workplace exposure standards for airborne contaminants to ensure they continue to be based on high quality, contemporary evidence and supported by a rigorous scientific approach.
The review will result in the development of a list of health-based recommendations for the workplace exposure standards in Australia. This includes recommendations on the workplace exposure standards values, notations and the list of chemicals.
The final draft reports (release 15) will open for public comment soon. For more information see the Safe Work Australia website.
13 January 2021
COVID-19 UPDATE FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA’S RESOURCES SECTOR
Update for the Resources and Energy Sector – Friday 8 January 2021
Premier Steven Marshall today announced as of midnight 9 January 2021 restrictions will apply for any travellers arriving in South Australia from Greater Brisbane in response to the Queensland Government’s three-day lockdown of Brisbane, Ipswich, Moreton, Logan and Redland local government areas.
Exemptions for essential travellers to South Australia remain in place, with anyone arriving from COVID-19 hotspots required to undertake testing on days 1, 5 and 12, maintain contact registers, and self-isolate when not at work.
Any person who has already arrived in South Australia and has been in the Greater Brisbane area between 2 January and 7 January must test immediately and again on 13 January 2021. Unless the person has symptoms there is no requirement to quarantine.
Further, any person who arrives in South Australia from the Greater Brisbane area today and before midnight 9 January 2021 must undertake testing within 24 hours of arrival, then on day 5 and day 12. Again, there is no requirement to quarantine unless symptomatic.
Given the purpose of the Brisbane lockdown is to control the risk of an outbreak of the highly transmissible UK strain of COVID-19, companies are urged to avoid any unnecessary worker movements from identified hotspots.
Further detail can be found online at Queensland lockdown with detailed information also available on key risk areas that are the current focus of urgent contact tracing efforts
Should you have any questions, please contact Martin Reid at the Department for Energy and Mining.
Stay well,
Paul Heithersay
Chief Executive
Department for Energy and Mining
The information contained in this resources and energy industry update has been verified by the South Australian Government COVID-19 Public Information Function Support Group coordinated by SA Police.
5 January 2021
Mining Regulations
Guidance to support the updated Mining Act 1971 and Mining Regulations 2020
Dear colleagues,
2021 is now upon us. This email aims to support exploration and mining companies in South Australia as we transition to the new mining regulations. There will be some changes and new requirements relevant to companies or individuals seeking to undertake mining operations in accordance with the updated Mining Act.
The final approved determinations under the updated Mining Acts and regulations are now available:
- Mining 17 December 2020, 21 December 2020
- Opal Mining 10 December 2020
To support the transition, the Department for Energy and Mining (DEM) is introducing new forms and templates, guidance materials and other relevant information on the department website in view of the updated Mining Act and mining regulations. Some of these are available now, and more will be published in 2021.
30 June 2020
Safe Work Australia News Alert
Translated guide for working with silica and silica containing products is now available
Our national guidance has been translated into six languages and will help protect workers who work with silica or products containing silica.
Working with natural and engineered stone, asphalt, concrete, bricks or pavers can expose workers to silica dust. This guide provides information about controlling the risks of exposure to silica dust when working with silica and silica containing products. It will help persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) to understand and make decisions about protecting their workers from exposure to silica dust.
1 April 2020
Covid-19 Update
Regional Safety Seminars, Mental Health Training and Health Assessments
All Regional Safety Seminars, Mental Health Training and Health Assessments have been postponed due to COVID-19. We will be in contact in the upcoming months.
10 February 2020
Workplace exposure standards for chemicals
Safework Australia
Work Health and Safety (WHS) ministers have agreed by the requisite majority to reduce the workplace exposure standards (WES) for respirable coal dust and respirable crystalline silica.
• Respirable coal dust will be reduced to a time weighted average (TWA) of 1.5 mg/m3
• Respirable crystalline silica will be reduced to a TWA of 0.05 mg/m3.
WHS ministers further agreed that the revised WES for respirable coal dust will apply from 1 October 2022 (allowing for a three year transitional period). For respirable crystalline silica, WHS ministers agreed the revised WES be implemented as soon as practicable.
30 January 2020
Dustwatch Report
Dust Storms Reduced
Dust activity reduced dramatically in December 2019 with an average of 41 hours of dust recorded across our long-term stations compared to a staggering 94 hours in November 2019. Only Ivanhoe and Coombah in the far west of New South Wales exceeded 100 hours of dust in November 2019.
Rural Air Quality Network – Live Data
DustWatch depends on the data from the rural air quality monitoring network. Real time data is now available including that for two sites across South Australia – Lameroo and Broken Hill. Click below to read more.
Reducing Soil Erosion
Reducing soil erosion and soil loss in Western NSW – 4:32min.
Published by Western LLS.
30 January 2020
Know the risks of working in heat
SAFEWORK Australia
Working in heat can be hazardous and can cause harm to workers in both indoor and outdoor work environments.
In the last 10 years from 2008-09 to 2017-18p, there were 1,360 workers’ compensation claims resulting from working in heat.
1,235 of these claims were from working in the sun –
- 750 of these claims were cancer-related
- 140 of these were claims regarding heat stroke or heat stress
85 of these claims were from working in hot indoor conditions –
- 40 of these were claims regarding heat stroke or heat stress
Employers have duties under work health and safety laws to manage the risks of working in heat and protect worker health and safety.
Download our infographic: working in heat and Guide for managing the risks of working in heat or visit our working in heat web page for information on how to identify and address heat-related hazards.
Contact your regulator for guidelines specific to your jurisdiction.
News Updates
3 February 2021
April 27th and 28th – Mental Health First Aid Officer Training
The Mining and Quarrying Occupational Health and Safety Committee is pleased to announce the Fully Funded Accredited Mental Health First Aid Officer Training in the last week of April.
MAQOHSC continues to support industry and promote the importance of workplace mental health and is committed to supporting industry with high quality evidence based funded projects, programs and training.
South Australian Mines and Quarries, will be directly supported to increase and promote good workplace mental health, through funded dedicated training for workers or nominated staff to become workplace accredited mental health first aid officers.
Mines and Quarries can nominate workers to complete Accredited Mental Health First Aid Officer training and then appoint them in the workplace to:
- Promote positive mental health in the workplace to all workers
- Provide mental health guidance material to workers
- Complete tool box and information talks on mental health topics
- Provide mental health first aid within their worksite to workers as needed, at their level of competence and training
- Assist workers and escalate any mental health related matters if required in a prompt and appropriate manner according to their relevant workplace policy and procedures.
For further information or to make an enrolment please telephone: 8204 9842 or email maqohsc@sa.gov.au
Numbers are limited.
1 February 2021
DMIRS News – Company fined after worker falls to his death
28 January, 2021
Alcoa of Australia Ltd was today fined $210,000 in the Perth Magistrates Court and ordered to pay $75,000 in costs after a contractor fell to his death at the company’s Kwinana Alumina Refinery in 2015.
The contract worker was part of a crew removing scaffolding from inside a bank of processing vessels or ‘digesters’ which were offline for maintenance and refurbishment work.
Having climbed up the digesters to where entry points were located, the contractor inadvertently entered a digester where workers had already removed the scaffolding. He entered the upper entry manhole backwards, apparently expecting to drop onto a scaffold work platform but instead fell around 12 metres.
There was no barrier or guard on the manhole to prevent inadvertent access and the digesters did not have markings to distinguish them from one another.
11 December 2020
Company fined after telehandler and load fall
FQM Australia Nickel Pty Ltd was today fined $19,000 in the Kalgoorlie Magistrates Court following an incident where a telehandler rolled over endangering two workers at the Ravensthorpe Nickel Mine on 11 January 2017.
The mining operator pleaded guilty after being charged with failing to provide a safe working environment under the Mines Safety and Inspection Act 1994 (WA).
FQM Australia Nickel contracted Southern Engineering and Agriculture (SEA) to remove and then reinstate piping around a tailings dam.
The SEA workers were attempting to move a pipe assembly by slinging it to a telehandler’s headboard when one of the slings broke and the load shifted, causing the vehicle to roll onto its side.
The telehandler was not equipped to lift a suspended load and the operator had not been trained in, or demonstrated competency in, the use of the telehandler for that purpose. The load weighed three tonnes, which was more than the rated lifting capacity of the telehandler.
21 August 2020
November 12th and 13th – Fully Funded Mental Health First Aid Officer Training
The Mining and Quarrying Occupational Health and Safety Committee is pleased to announce the Fully Funded Accredited Mental Health First Aid Officer Training in the second week of November.
MAQOHSC continues to support industry and promote the importance of workplace mental health and is committed to supporting industry with high quality evidence based funded projects, programs and training.
South Australian Mines and Quarries, will be directly supported to increase and promote good workplace mental health, through funded dedicated training for workers or nominated staff to become workplace accredited mental health first aid officers.
Mines and Quarries can nominate workers to complete Accredited Mental Health First Aid Officer training and then appoint them in the workplace to:
- Promote positive mental health in the workplace to all workers
- Provide mental health guidance material to workers
- Complete tool box and information talks on mental health topics
- Provide mental health first aid within their worksite to workers as needed, at their level of competence and training
- Assist workers and escalate any mental health related matters if required in a prompt and appropriate manner according to their relevant workplace policy and procedures.
For further information or to make an enrolment please telephone: 8204 9842 or email maqohsc@sa.gov.au
Numbers are limited.
5 March 2020
Fully Funded Workplace Health Assessments
For over 34 years the Mining and Quarrying Occupational Health and Safety Committee has supported workers and industry with professional high quality, State-wide health surveillance programs for our ever-growing industry.
To register your workplace please email us at maqohsc@sa.gov.au
or telephone (08) 8204 9842
19 February 2020
Mental Health First Aid Officer Training
MAQOHSC continues to support industry and promote the importance of workplace mental health and is committed to supporting industry with high quality evidence based funded projects, programs and training.
South Australian Mines and Quarries, will be directly supported to increase and promote good workplace mental health, through funded dedicated training for workers or nominated staff to become workplace accredited mental health first aid officers.
Mines and Quarries can nominate workers to complete Accredited Mental Health First Aid Officer training and then appoint them in the workplace to:
- Promote positive mental health in the workplace to all workers
- Provide mental health guidance material to workers
- Complete tool box and information talks on mental health topics
- Provide mental health first aid within their worksite to workers as needed, at their level of competence and training
- Assist workers and escalate any mental health related matters if required in a prompt and appropriate manner according to their relevant workplace policy and procedures.
For further information or to make an enrolment please telephone: 8204 9842 or email maqohsc@sa.gov.au
Numbers are limited.
30 January 2020
Workplace Health Management Manual
The Committee continues to provide critical industry specific resources that assist to protect workers and prevent Occupational Dust Related Diseases in South Australian mines and quarries. After over 12 months in the development, The Committee is pleased to announce the release of the MAQOHSC Workplace Health Management Manual in late February 2020.
Brief Overview of contents include:
MAQOHSC – Preventing Occupational Dust Related Disease
Respirable Crystalline Silica
45 Resources focused on
• Identifying Silica Exposure
• Controlling Silica Exposure
• Workplace Dust Monitoring
• Workers Health Monitoring
MAQOHSC Workplace Health Assessments
• Consult and Train Workers
Workplace Mental Health
• MAQOHSC Mental Health First Aid Officer Training
• 19 – Workplace Mental Health Guides
Skin Cancer Prevention
• MAQOHSC Workplace Skin Cancer Screening
• MAQOHSC Workplace Skin Cancer Posters
• Workplace Tool box talks
Thousands of workers in various industries are affected by exposure to respirable crystalline silica. Occupational exposure is associated with increased risk of developing acute, sub-acute or chronic, autoimmune respiratory diseases and silicosis, including the newly emerging artificial stone associated silicosis.
The MAQOHSC workplace health management manual is a valuable across industry resource adaptable in occupational settings where crystalline silica is present.
To register for your copy of our new manual and to book an information session on implementing our resource in your workplace please email maqohsc@sa.gov.au
Newsletters
MAQOHSC Newsletter SUMMER, 2020
In this issue:
- Health Surveillance Dust Monitoring 2020
- Skin Cancer Checks
- Respiratory PPE – Selection and Use
- Mental Health First Aid Officer Training
- 2020 Regional Safety Seminars
- Safety/Info Alerts and Safety Resources
- Workplace Health Management Manual
MAQOHSC Newsletter SPRING, 2018
In this issue:
- Health Surveillance 2018 – 2019
- Accredited Mental Health First Aid Officer Training
- Guarding of Plant – Hoppers
- Regional Safety Seminar Topics
- Sleep Vital to Safety
- Committee Workplace Visits
- New MAQOHSC Website Calendar
MAQOHSC Newsletter Issue 3, 2017
In this issue:
- Health Surveillance Dust Monitoring 2017 – 2018
- MAQOHSC Funded Mental Health Training Program
- Access, Egress and Crushing Plant Guarding
MAQOHSC Newsletter Issue 2, 2016
In this issue:
- Fully funded health surveillance – dust monitoring program for South Australian Mines and Quarries
- Time to plan and prepare for working in the heat
- Fully funded Certificate IV Work Health and Safety training.
MAQOHSC Newsletter Issue 1, 2016
In this issue:
- Funded dust monitoring commencing
- Training targets keeping young workers safe
- Complacency to compliance looks at safety with explosives
- Depressed or totally Stressed? How to tell the difference!
- Fully funded health and wellbeing 60 day online health program.
MAQOHSC Newsletter Issue 44, Winter 2015
In this issue:
- New program to help prevent suicide and promote wellbeing for workers
- MAQOHSC Committee undertakes site visit to Hillgrove Resources
- Guide to principal mining hazards.
Previous Issues
Previous issues are available upon request to MAQOHSC. Please email us to request previous issues.
