Roseanne Baxter – Occupational Therapist, Encompass Therapy
Holly Whitelaw – Data Collection Officer, Glencore Coal Assets Australia
ABSTRACT
Dozer operation at surface mining operations has traditionally been considered one of the higher risk tasks undertaken in the surface coal mining industry due to exposure to significant levels of whole-body vibration. As per Australian Standard AS2760.1, SafeWork Australia promotes the practice of regular monitoring of whole-body vibration levels and encourages employers to minimise workers’ exposure levels to below levels associated with increased risk of health affects. Although not legally binding, these limits are considered benchmarks in industry monitoring reports.
Recent published Australian research has shown a large spread of exposure levels, some of which exceeded recognised limits for likely health effects. A research project has been undertaken to gather whole-body vibration data matched to video and operator survey to investigate which tasks and in what ground conditions are dozer operators at a surface mining operation exposed to the higher levels of whole-body vibration. This provides rationale for prioritisation of allocation of controls targeted at the tasks and/or ground conditions associated with higher wholebody vibration readings.
Discussion regarding the range of data analysis methods currently referred to in research and industry reporting is advocated to improve consistency of reporting and understanding of results.
Dr Basil Beamish, Managing Director, B3 Mining Services Pty Ltd
Anthony Beasley & Steven Amor
Jarah Corporate Pty Ltd
Dr Bharath Belle, Principal Ventilation Engineer, Anglo American Steelmaking Coal
Dustin Bennett,
GCG Health Safety and Hygiene
Dustin Bennett
Gcg Health Safety & Hygiene
Dustin Bennett
GCG Health Safety & Hygiene
Samantha Betzien
Partner, MinterEllison
Rhian O’Sullivan
Special Counsel, MinterEllison
In 2018 there were a number of amendments to the resources safety legislation in Queensland including in relation to contractor management and the introduction of a positive obligation on officers to exercise due diligence. This positive obligation is a significant change and it is important that organisations in the resources sector conduct a review of their safety governance systems to ensure that their Board and Executives are able to discharge their personal obligations.
Other potential reforms to the Resources Safety Acts have been debated that would essentially bring them into line with the recently amended WHS Act, including in relation to the introduction of an industrial manslaughter offence. There has also been a number of serious safety incidents in the Queensland mining sector which has meant that the Mines Inspectorate is on high alert.
This paper will discuss the amendments, proposed reforms and regulatory environment in the current climate, including providing insights into current industry issues.
Vishwa Bhushan & Haydn Issac
RSHQ
