NSW: campaign targets coal workers to reduce heavy mining equipment collision risks
The following article is a news item provided for the benefit of the Workplace Health and Safety profession. Its content does not necessarily reflect the views of the Australian Institute of Health & Safety.
Date:
Monday, 10 May, 2021 - 15:45
Category:
Policy & legislation
Location:
New South Wales
The NSW Resources Regulator recently launched an intensive awareness campaign which targets mine workers to address the risk of collisions involving heavy mining equipment.
The regulator was reaching out directly to workers to improve safety procedures around heavy mining equipment and light vehicles at mine sites, said the Resources Regulator’s chief inspector Garvin Burns.
Mine operators continued to introduce new technology, equipment upgrades and improvements to procedures and training, he said.
“Near miss incidents involving vehicles have the potential to seriously injure or kill, due to the sheer size of the equipment typically involved,” Burns said.
“With the cooperation of mine operators, teams of inspectors will be visiting 80 sites in eight days and addressing all shifts.
“We focus heavily on ensuring mine operators provide a safe work environment and will always do so, however, this activity is focussed on reminding mine workers of the risk and that they also have an obligation to look after the safety of themselves and their workmates.”
The Resources Regulator we will be visiting all open cut coal mining operations in NSW and selected metalliferous operations between 3-14 May.