Zac Lowth, General Manager Operations, Staunch Technology
Danellie Lynas
The University of Queensland
Nicholas Mabbott
Beyond Midnight Consulting
Dr. Nick Mabbott
The Science of Sleep Director, Beyond Midnight Consulting
A raft of work has been done regarding the reduction of fatigue risk. However, a portion of fatigue risk is brought into the workplace by employees who don’t fully understand sleep and its nuances. Good sleep is the cornerstone of fatigue management as it allows employees to reduce fatigue risk prior to arriving for work. Fundamental to this is to have the workforce educated on all aspects of sleep. This includes: What healthy sleep is, how to target the correct amount, how to pay back sleep debts, addressing sleep disorders, developing a healthy attitude toward sleep, understanding health and wellness implications of sleep, and implementing controls when fatigued.
This presentation provides the understanding of the processes that occur within the brain when we sleep. It follows with discussion around different stages and cycles of sleep and how each of these stages add to, or take away from, our safety, health, wellness and productivity. Using the above information, the author has seen first-hand, the differences in people after applying better sleep management practices. There have been improvements in physical and mental health, productivity and safety. Healthy sleep provides a great opportunity to be the “best version of yourself”.
Larnie Mackay
Operations Scheduler, Anglo American-Moranbah North Mine
Anglo American has introduced Australia’s first certified, electronic tablet device for use in underground coal mines. The device provides real-time access to CITECT data for Hazard Awareness and system monitoring, as well as Anglo American’s latest Safety and Health Management processes and documentation.
Developed in collaboration with a tablet manufacturer, the device was developed and tested to achieve International Group 1 Certification together with Queensland Government’s SIMTARS safety in mines certification.
The underground tablet can be used as a portable video communication device (via Skype) to instantly access expert technical advice. Not only does this accelerate operational fault-finding, it also allows a live video link to paramedics in the case of an emergency.
The tablet allows real-time environmental monitoring; provides up-to-date equipment resetting requirements; displays risk-categorised Strata Defect locations pictorially on the Mine Plan; and allows short interval control on the actual plan.
The introduction of the tablet is a major step towards the removal of all underground paperwork and the electronic lodgement of statutory and production reports.
Dr Stephanie MacMahon, Lecturer, Program Director SLRC Learning Lab, School of Education, University of Queensland and
Rodo De Boer, Chief Executive Officer, Resources Training Council
Dr Stephanie MacMahon & Rodo De Boer
The University of Queensland & Thiess
Julia Mansfield – Health Coordinator, Glencore, Ernest Henry Mine
ABSTRACT
Statistics show that almost half of Australians will experience a diganosable mental health condition at some time in their lives. While these conditions can potentially impact a workers safety, productivity, health, and return to work duration; there is also a well-documented link with suicide. Alarmingly, suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians aged 25-44; and research indicates that men in semi-skilled occupations like mining are indeed at an even greater risk.
Ernest Henry Mine acknowledges the prevalence of mental health issues, with management support numerous site-based initiatives were implemented to assist workers with this emerging and complex trend. The program has been successful in raising awareness about Mental Health and Wellbeing; enhancing accessibility to appropriate help/support; improving the village/camp lifestyle; promoting engagement; and facilitating a more positive work environment.
While these mental health initiatives are a step in the right direction, ongoing effort is required to reduce stigma and to provide an environment that is both protective to the development of mental health conditions and conducive to recovery. It is hoped that other mining operations can draw learnings from Ernest Henry Mine’s initiatives.
Greg Manthey
Inspector of Mines – Occupational Hygiene, Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy
Effectively controlling worker exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) in mineral mines and quarries (MMQ) is an ongoing challenge. Increasing cases of mine dust lung disease show this has not yet been met.
RCS can cause silicosis, lung cancer, chronic bronchitis and emphysema after prolonged exposure. Acute silicosis can result after very high, short term exposure as tragically seen in the manufactured stone industry.
The MMQ sector has nearly 1400 operational sites employing approximately 12,800 workers, many of them at elevated risk from RCS exposures.
The 2017 introduction of the Guideline for the Management of Respirable Crystalline Silica in Mineral Mines and Quarries (QGL02) provided the industry with structures to address RCS exposure. Barriers to effective implementation include:
- limited understanding of the hazard,
- difficulty implementing effective dust control,
- limited number of Occupational Hygienists,
- monitoring costs,
- a generally poor understanding of QGL02.
DNRME’s compliance monitoring program continues the Inspectorate’s close engagement with the sector, ensuring SSE’s understand QGL02 and comply with their obligations including risk evaluation, exposure monitoring and reporting.
This presentation describes findings from the program and focus areas, including:
- sampling results and data,
- compliance issues,
- at-risk groups
- increasing RCS education,
- improving risk identification and evaluating,
- effectiveness of control measures.
Darren Marinoff
Principal Consultant – Occupational Hygiene, Greencap
The high-risk nature of the Mining and Resources industry prescribes multiple layers of safety requirements that workers need to undertake to access a site and carry out specific works safely.
Greencap’s depth of experience in occupational health and safety within the Mining and Resources Industry includes the organisation’s engagement by the South Australian Mining and Quarrying Health and Safety Committee to undertake Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) monitoring at various mines and quarries throughout South Australia as part of their Health Surveillance Program. This project alone saw over 1,000 personal and static monitoring samples collected throughout 2016 to 2018.
This presentation will first give background information on the hazards of RCS dust and the risks of exposure. Analysis of the data collected from the monitoring programs will be presented with a focus on elevated exposures relating to Similar Exposure Groups, operational locations and mined/quarried products. Discussion will be presented on observations of existing controls and their effectiveness together with use of respiratory protective devices and a fit testing program conducted during the third year of the program.