Simon Krismer
Welding Quality Management Systems
Melanie Laas,
EMME Influence
Nikky LaBranche – Principal Mining Engineer, Simtars
ABSTRACT
Since the first case of CWP in over twenty years was reported in Queensland in 2015 there have been 66 confirmed cases of mine dust lung disease among current and former QLD mine workers. As a result ACARP commissioned research into a number of questions relating to monitoring and controlling coal dust exposure.
The project had a number of aims which include the following areas: 1) establishing the state of the art with respect to current dust suppression and prevention controls and their effectiveness. 2) Reviewing the basis used for setting an exposure standard for respirable coal dust 3) The current trends in exposure data and any underlying points of concern or interest 4) current research into reducing exposure to respirable coal dust. 5) The capacity to monitor respirable coal dust in real time – what techniques are available and what are their limitations and 6) Future directions for research into better control of respirable coal dust exposure.
The research seeks to answer these questions and better define the next questions for future research. This paper will present the progress results of the Improving Respirable Coal Dust Exposure monitoring and Control research project.
Dr. Jenny Legge
Managing Director, JobFit Systems International
Exoskeletons, or wearable robotics, are appearing in scientific journals, industry publications, the media, and even in some workplaces as a potential ‘solution’ for workplace musculoskeletal injury prevention.
This presentation will outline the different types of exoskeletons currently available and their intended uses, including how they can potentially reduce the load on specific muscle groups to minimise fatigue and subsequent injury. However, there are also several documented risks associated with their use in industry. A review of the current evidence base will be presented.
Acceptance of exoskeletons across industries and different work types has been variable and is still in relatively early stages of development and implementation. Mining is often seen at the forefront of safety innovation and can be early adopters of new technologies and processes. Could ‘Exos’ be the next big thing for our industry?
To assist potential users and purchasers to make informed decisions before trial or purchase of such devices, a checklist for independent evaluation will be presented. This takeaway resource will also outline a number of ‘toolspecific’ risk factors to be considered in any onsite formal pre-use / pre-purchase risk assessment for the mining environment.
John Lennon, Business Development Manager, Lennon Training
John Lennon & John Tate
Lennon Training & Crown Law
Dr. Andrew Lingwood
Director and Consultant Occupational and Environmental Physician, OccPhyz Consulting
Fatigue is a vital health and safety issue in the mining industry with a multitude of medical and organisational causes and implications.
This presentation will focus on the nature of circadian rhythms and how they can contribute to fatigue. The ways in which shift work can impact these matters is specifically considered, given the relevance of varied work and shift patterns to the mining industry.
The physiological effects of fatigue will also be discussed, including how these can translate into performance-based effects.
The presentation will also consider the complex interactions between the multiple medical, social and employment factors which contribute to fatigue.
Anthony Logan, Senior Inspector of Mines, Resources Safety and Health Queensland
Rebecca Long, Mechanical Engineer, BUMA Australia - Meandu Mine and
Scott Anderson, SSHR and Fitter