SAFETY AND HEALTH IN THE WORKPLACE
VOL. 1 NO. 2 APRIL 2019
ISSN 2651-9577
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WA GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES NEW CODE FOR FIFO WORKPLACES
INTRODUCING THE WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY EXCELLENCE AWARDS
WORKPLACE HEARING LOSS AND EXPOSURE TO CHEMICALS
MEET THE 2018 SAFETY AND HEALTH REPRESENTATIVE OF THE YEAR
Government of Western Australia
Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety
Š State of Western Australia (Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety) 2019
LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS (FROM DMIRS UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED)
ThinkSafe is published by the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS). It is distributed free of charge to industry and interested members of the public.
Judith Abbott
Justine McGillivray
Andrew Ballam
Sammy Mohamed
Gillian Carter
Bec Moore
Tse Yin Chang
Lindy Nield
Reproduction of material from ThinkSafe for wider distribution is encouraged and may be carried out subject to appropriate acknowledgement. Contact the editor for further information.
Lizzie Craine
Sally North
Caroline De Vaney
Martin Ralph
Amy Douglas-Martens
Terry Siefken
Mention of proprietary products does not imply endorsement.
Paul Foley Christina Folley
Moya Sharp, Western Australian Virtual Miners Memorial
Comments and contributions from readers are welcome, but the editor reserves the right to publish only those items that are considered to be constructive towards safety and health. Reader contributions and correspondence should be addressed to: ThinkSafe Editor Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety Mineral House, 100 Plain Street East Perth WA 6004 Enquiries: 08 9358 8153 Email: SafetyComms@dmirs.wa.gov.au This publication is available on request in other formats for people with special needs.
Government of Western Australia
Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety
Su Ho Fran Joubert Darren Kavanagh, WorkSafe WA Commissioner
Lin Stain Amanda Thomson Tracy Wynands Henry Zuidersma
PHOTO ATTRIBUTION TYC = Tse Yin Chang COVER PHOTO Scott Hunt was the first elected safety and health representative at the City of Cockburn [TYC]
The State of Western Australia supports and encourages the dissemination and exchange of its information. The copyright in this publication is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY) licence.
Safety Regulation Group Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety 100 Plain Street, EAST PERTH WA 6004 Telephone: + 61 8 9358 8001 Email: SafetyComms@dmirs.wa.gov.au Website: www.dmirs.wa.gov.au
@DMIRS_WA
Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety
www.dmp.wa.gov.au/subscribe
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Under this licence, with the exception of the Government of Western Australia Coat of Arms, the Department's logo, any material protected by a trade mark or licence and where otherwise noted, you are free, without having to seek our permission, to use this publication in accordance with the licence terms. We also request that you observe and retain any copyright or related notices that may accompany this material as part of the attribution. This is also a requirement of the Creative Commons Licences. For more information on this licence, visit creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ legalcode
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IN THIS ISSUE
WHAT DO YOU WANT MORE OF?
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We want to hear from you! Working with industry to deliver information and guidance that are relevant and useful is important to the Department. Is there a particular type of publication or method of communication you prefer? How would you like to receive information from us?
FROM THE EDITOR
12 Working in remote areas
2 WA Government launches new code for FIFO workplaces
14 Know your hazards: silica exposure in mining operations
COMMISSIONER'S CORNER
Send your feedback and comments to SafetyComms@dmirs.wa.gov.au
16 Leave fireworks to the professionals
3 Commissioner's corner
HEALTH AND HYGIENE
DEPARTMENT NEWS
18 Whose responsibility is it to protect workers from health and hygiene hazards on mine sites?
4 Nominations open for the Work Health and Safety Excellence Awards
EVENT NEWS 5 Calendar of events 6 Findings from 2018 Mines Safety Roadshow workshops
SAFETY AND HEALTH REPS CORNER 20 Meet the 2018 Safety and Health Representative of the Year
INDUSTRY NEWS
SAFETY AND HEALTH ALERTS AND GUIDANCE
22 List of WorkSafe Plan recipients
10 Workplace hearing loss and exposure to chemicals
23 World Day for Safety and Health at Work
11 Safety alerts
24 The Western Australian Virtual Miners Memorial (WAVMM)
ThinkSafe vol. 1 no. 2 April 2019 |
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FROM THE EDITOR
WA GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES NEW CODE FOR FIFO WORKPLACES Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston has launched Australia’s first code of practice to help promote and maintain mentally healthy workplaces for FIFO workers in the resources and construction sectors. ...
Developed following extensive public consultation, the Mentally healthy workplaces for fly-in fly-out (FIFO) workers in the resources and construction sectors code aims to address hazards and risk factors in FIFO workplaces. Parts of the code encourage organisations to adopt a risk management process to identify potential psychosocial hazards, establish a positive and supportive workplace culture, provide suitable accommodation, and design rosters with sufficient time for rest and recreation.
MENTALLY HEALTHY WORKPLACES ONLINE HUB To accompany the code, the Department is developing a mentally healthy workplaces online hub with resources for both workers and management. The new online resources aim to promote mentally healthy workplaces by educating workers and management on psychosocial hazards and risk factors in the workplace. Resources for workers include information on psychosocial hazards, employer and worker responsibilities, issue resolution procedures, useful contacts and support networks for families. The online hub will have videos, podcasts, information sheets and checklists for people to download and use.
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In the coming months, the Department will be rolling out resources aimed at helping management build and maintain mentally healthy workplaces.
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COMMISSIONER'S CORNER
COMMISSIONER'S CORNER
Having recently been appointed to the position of WorkSafe Western Australia Commissioner, I am pleased to present my views for ThinkSafe magazine. Since commencing as Commissioner, I have been encouraged by the level of passion and commitment that exists within the Department. It provides a sound basis for undertaking the important task of securing the safety and health of persons at work throughout Western Australia. The role of WorkSafe WA Commissioner is a statutory appointment, independent of the Department and responsible to Minister Bill Johnston MLA. The Commissioner’s functions include appointment of inspectors, resolution of issues, notification of injuries and prescribed work, review of notices and other powers described in the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996. I am committed to establishing and maintaining the independence of the role and ensuring all actions and use of resources are conducted ethically, efficiently and effectively. The Commissioner is a mandatory member of the tripartite Commission for Occupational Safety and Health. The Commission has an important role in developing information and guidance material to assist all stakeholders to maintain workplace safety and health standards. My initial priorities have been to undertake due diligence and acquire an understanding and appreciation of the work processes, culture, and the hazards and risks associated with the activities of the Department while also establishing relationships and communicating with our many stakeholders. The matter of mental health is a priority for me – both the health of the Department’s staff and industry in general. I am keen to facilitate and contribute to a healthy work environment where the mental health of staff is supported and openly discussed. I intend to contribute wherever possible, and seek to develop the tools and resources necessary to tackle mental health.
In terms of general industry, there is a raft of evidence indicating that mental health in the workplace (and the wider community) is a significant issue. One in five Australians will be affected by mental health issues. WA’s suicide rate is higher than the national average, and the World Health Organization has indicated that for each adult who died of suicide there may have been more than 20 others attempting suicide. It is a shocking fact that suicide is the leading cause of death among 25 to 44 year old men in Australia. I am eager to champion reducing the prevalence of suicide in our community. The health aspect of occupational safety and health is also of interest. I believe there is opportunity and benefit in raising awareness of the hazards and risks associated with work-related matters that impact on health. Serious work-related trauma and deaths quite rightly require the focus of the Department, but I believe the health component of workplace safety and health deserves a higher level of focus. Exposure to asbestos, silica, noise and hazardous substances can cause harm to workers that results in unnecessary disruption, stress and damage to workers and their families. I believe we need to focus on these hazards and continue to pursue best practice for the management of these risks. Another priority for me is legislative and regulatory change. Having previously worked within a harmonised regime, I am a strong supporter of the proposed workplace health and safety legislation. I believe it is the right time for Western Australian workplaces to align with those in the rest of Australia. While I believe the changes are positive for Western Australia, there is a lot of work ahead to prepare for industry and the Department, and I look forward to those challenges. A lot of good work is being done to pursue safe and healthy workplaces, but there is always more that can be done. One death is one too many. I look forward to collaboratively working with employers, unions and workers to secure safe and healthy workplaces. Darren Kavanagh WorkSafe WA Commissioner
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DEPARTMENT NEWS
NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR THE WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY EXCELLENCE AWARDS
This year the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) will host the inaugural Work Health and Safety Excellence Awards. ...
The awards combine the former Work Safety Awards and the Safety and Health Resources Sector Awards to create one awards ceremony celebrating safety across Western Australian workplaces. DMIRS Deputy Director General Safety Regulation, Ian Munns, said the 2019 Work Health and Safety Excellence Awards recognise outstanding solutions and innovations in specific workplace health and safety problems in Western Australia. “The previous awards recognised and celebrated incredible achievements in health and safety across the resources sector and across WorkSafe regulated workplaces,” Mr Munns said. “These combined awards continue that tradition, but expand the potential for these innovations and solutions to be applied across WA workplaces. “Winners of the Work Health and Safety Excellence Awards set an example to industry of outstanding solutions and innovations in workplace health and safety and excellence. They will have the opportunity to share their experiences with government, industry and the community.” The new awards feature five categories covering small and medium organisations, and large organisations.
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The categories are: •• Work health and safety invention of the year Recognises development of plant/equipment, engineering and/or infrastructure to enhance health and safety. •• Best solution to a work health and safety risk Recognises innovation, implementation and/ or design of systems or procedures to improve health and safety. •• Best workplace health and wellbeing initiative Recognises an organisation’s commitment to the health and wellbeing of their workforce. •• Leadership excellence award Recognises an organisation’s excellence in leadership in improving health and safety in the workplace. •• Safety and health representative of the year Recognises an elected safety and health representative who has made a significant contribution and demonstrable difference to health and safety in the workplace. The awards ceremony will be held on 2 October at Optus Stadium.
More information, including the nomination process can be found on the Department’s website.
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EVENT NEWS
CALENDAR OF EVENTS MAY
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EXPLORATION SAFETY FORUM 27 May, Perth
EXPLORATION SAFETY FORUM 28 May, Kalgoorlie
EXPLORATION SAFETY FORUM 30 May, Newman
JUNE
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HEALTH AND HYGIENE FORUM Date and location to be confirmed
OCTOBER
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MINES SAFETY ROADSHOW Dates and locations to be confirmed
NATIONAL SAFE WORK MONTH Dates and locations to be confirmed
WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2 October, Optus Stadium Perth
NOVEMBER
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ALBANY AGRICULTURAL SHOW 8-9 November 2019 www.albanyshow.org.au
AUGUST
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DOWERIN FIELD DAYS 28-29 August, Dowerin www.dowerinfielddays.com.au
Event dates are provisional and subject to confirmation The events listed are either presented by the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety or involve Departmental staff as presenters or exhibitors. Departmental events are provisional until registration details are released. For the latest information, visit www.dmp.wa.gov.au/events
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EVENT NEWS
FINDINGS FROM 2018 MINES SAFETY ROADSHOW WORKSHOPS Safety and health representatives (SHReps) and others involved in the pursuit of improved safety and health came together during the month of October at the 2018 Mines Safety Roadshow. ...
Interactive workshops aimed at raising awareness and sharing solutions were an integral feature of the program. Discussions centred on the importance of safety and health representatives, how supervisors can help improve safety and health, and mentally healthy workplaces.
The findings from these workshops have been collated and are now available. The openness of those who participated in these sessions is appreciated, and the feedback will help inform the Department’s future strategies.
WORKSHOP RESULTS: How can SHReps help to improve safety and health in the workplace? What is the role of a SHRep in consultation? Link between workforce and management
Raise safety concerns from the workgroup
Safety activism
To represent employees
Liaison between team members 0
50
100
150
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250
Number of responses
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300
350
400
450
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EVENT NEWS
How can SHReps contribute to accident investigations? Experience and knowledge
Independent person on the investigation team
Hands on perspective
Listen and support workers
Easier access to SRS (online reporting system) 0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
Number of responses
What is the purpose of a provisional improvement notice (PIN)? Ensure issues are rectified
To be used as a last resort
Improve conditions in the workplace
To formalise and raise hazards
Where discussions have failed 0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
Number of responses
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EVENT NEWS
WORKSHOP RESULTS: How can supervisors help to improve safety and health in the workplace? What could be improved or changed at your workplace so SHReps can be more effective and engaged at your operation? Time allocation Training and support Greater SHRep presence SHRep meeting Increased number of inspections 0
50
100
150
200
250
Number of responses
Is there anything the Department can assist you or SHReps with in the improvement of safety? Advice and recommendations for new SHReps Increased information access More frequent site visits Process training Develop applications for mobile platforms 0
20
40
60
80
100
120
Number of responses
Can you outline an example of a safety and health innovation by your elected SHRep? Improvement in equipment implementation Changes in workplace culture Internal communication improvements Improvement to environmental management Improved personal protective equipment 0
10
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50
Number of responses
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60
70
80
90
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EVENT NEWS
WORKSHOP RESULTS: Mentally healthy workplaces What concerns you the most about the topic of mental health at work?
Not enough education on issues
Stigma surrounding mental health
Very few people talk about it
Nothing is being done to help sufferers
It's not taken seriously 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
Number of responses
What would make you feel more confident and capable of being able to contribute to the development of a mentally healthy workplace? More training on mental health
Provide information
Management talking about mental health
Deeper understanding of issues
Encourage active listening 0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
Number of responses
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SAFETY AND HEALTH ALERTS AND GUIDANCE
WORKPLACE HEARING LOSS AND EXPOSURE TO CHEMICALS Noise has long been recognised as a major cause of work-related hearing loss. However, it is less well known that certain chemicals and medications can also cause hearing loss, either on their own or in conjunction with noise exposure. Such chemicals are termed “ototoxic”.
Activities where noise and ototoxic chemicals often combine include automotive repair, spray painting, printing, boat building, construction, furniture making, metal product manufacturing, fibreglassing, petroleum product manufacturing, aircraft maintenance, mineral assay, radiator repair, fueling vehicles and aircraft, firefighting and weapons firing. Recent research conducted by a team at Curtin University’s School of Public Health has found over 50 per cent of male workers and 25 per cent of female workers are likely to be exposed to at least one ototoxic chemical at work. Of workers exposed to noise at levels above the workplace exposure standard on their last working day, 80 per cent were also likely exposed to at least one ototoxic chemical at work. Audiologist and researcher, Kate Lewkowski, explained that workers were asked about tasks performed in their workplace to assess exposure to noise and ototoxic chemicals including n-hexane, styrene, toluene, xylene, lead, and carbon monoxide. “Occupational hearing loss is preventable, yet exposure to noise and ototoxic chemicals is very common in Australian workplaces. Further strategies must be developed to prevent exposures, especially in industries where co-exposures occur," said Ms Lewkowski. Annual audiograms are recommended for workers whose airborne exposures (without regard to the respiratory protection worn) are at 50 per cent or more of the workplace exposure standards. These are stated in the Safe Work Australia Hazardous Substances Information System for the chemical in question, regardless of the noise level. If no air monitoring has been carried out, workers should
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have an annual audiogram if they have frequent, long duration exposure to an ototoxic chemical in circumstances where: •• the efficiency of ventilation is not known or there is no mechanical ventilation •• workers have reported health concerns that may be due to the chemical •• it is difficult to estimate exposure, including potential skin absorption for those substances which can be absorbed in that way. Control measures such as substitution, isolation and local ventilation should be implemented to eliminate or reduce chemical exposures. Personal protective equipment should be used to prevent skin and respiratory absorption when other controls are insufficient. WorkSafe WA Commissioner Darren Kavanagh, said, "Occupational health and safety includes identifying hazards and implementing controls to prevent workers suffering hearing loss. Employers, workers, and safety and health professionals are encouraged to identify ototoxic chemicals and noise hazards at work, and take action to eliminate or reduce those risks and prevent hearing loss".
WANT TO READ MORE? Ototoxic chemicals – chemicals that result in hearing loss (DMIRS webpage) Lewkowski, K.; Heyworth, J.S.; Li, I.W.; et al. Exposure to noise and ototoxic chemicals in the Australian workforce. Occupational and Environmental Medicine (Online First: 25 January 2019). Doi: 10.1136/ oemed-2018-105471
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SAFETY AND HEALTH ALERTS AND GUIDANCE
SA
E RT L A Y FET
S
s ty alert ts, safe r o o p t e r y Januar cident cant in eased from 1 fi i n g i s tins rel List of ty bulle e f a s d an ch 2019 31 Mar ...
MINES SAFETY
DANGEROUS GOODS SAFETY
Significant incident reports
Significant incident reports
SIR No. 272 Sinkhole in open pit floor engulfs mine vehicles after collapse of backfilled stope
SIR No. 01-19 Ammonia release during ship unloading
SIR No. 273 Near miss when a failed rod ejected from a hydraulic pulling kit SIR No. 274 Structural failure of fixed conveyor stacker
WORKSAFE Safety alert 01/2019 Collapse of truck mounted concrete pump with boom
Safety bulletins MSB No. 157 Minimising dust generation during crushing, screening and conveying MSB No. 158 Inspection, testing, maintenance and use of fume cupboards MSB No. 159 Preventing worker exposure to harmful gold room exhaust discharge MSB No. 160 Using excavators as rock breakers MSB No. 161 Adequate assessment of fitness for work MSB No. 162 Inspection and maintenance of special purpose lifting plant and hoists MSB No. 163 Reducing exposure to respirable crystalline silica (quartz)
ThinkSafe vol. 1 no. 2 April 2019 | 11 |
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SAFETY AND HEALTH ALERTS AND GUIDANCE
WORKING IN REMOTE AREAS When we think of people who work in remote areas, we often think of exploration personnel such as drillers, field assistants and geologists. However, there are others who work on operations or service the resources sector who are also exposed to risks associated with remote work. ...
A remote area can be defined as one where the services we take for granted – food, water, fuel, medical services, communications – may not be readily available.
This review should extend to contractors and service providers. Identify opportunities where organisations can work together to ensure safety of the worker (e.g. signage, call in procedures).
WHO IS AT RISK?
Regardless of the scope and type of remote work, consider the following aspects when developing safe systems of work.
Generally, most minerals industry employees work at a mining operation where, if something goes wrong, people and help are nearby, there is relatively easy access to services, and medical treatment is more readily available. There are others, however, who work outside of the relative haven of these operations and away from population centres. They can be from the operation itself, or based out of the site, a fly camp, or an office many hundreds of kilometres away. They may work on their own out of a vehicle, or as part of a small group. Examples include surveyors, maintenance personnel repairing essential infrastructure at night or travelling between sites, a hydrogeologist checking bore fields, contractors delivering goods and services, or crews undertaking greenfields exploration. If something goes wrong, the communication challenges and delayed response times due to their remote location can expose them to an increased risk of harm. Is your organisation prepared?
MANAGING THE RISK Developing safe systems of work is crucial in managing the risks. Identify who in your organisation is working remotely, where they are and when. The safe system of work should identify the hazards and address the risks associated with operating in remote areas, both in general and specifically for the particular area at that particular time.
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Information, instruction and training All workers should have access to training, procedures, work instructions and knowledge of what to do in an emergency situation before going into the field. Specialised courses (e.g. 4WD training, first aid) and education on risks (e.g. heat illness) can help prepare workers for certain scenarios. The presence of experienced workers on each roster can be invaluable, with other workers benefitting from their experience and skills.
Planning and preparation Understanding the working area and possible conditions (e.g. terrain, climate, roads) informs which vehicle, equipment and work methods are appropriate for that task in that particular area. For example, is the vehicle appropriately equipped for the terrain? Does work need to be delayed because recent flooding has made roads impassable? The coordinates of the work area and maps outlining the access routes for use by, or distribution to, other workers and emergency services should form part of the work plan. Ensure access to the site, camp or work area is clearly signed or marked. Meeting points should be nominated to allow for easy access by services. Depending on the type of remote work, consider what facilities are available (e.g. fuel, fresh water). The appropriate parties should be contacted to check availability or be notified of activity (e.g. land owners, rangers, local council).
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SAFETY AND HEALTH ALERTS AND GUIDANCE Supervisors have an important role in developing and checking work plans, as well as monitoring and responding to changes in work and the environment.
Emergency preparedness Workers in remote areas are faced with many challenges if something goes wrong. Changing conditions (e.g. bushfire, flash floods) can affect access. The onset of an illness requiring medical treatment can require the evacuation of a worker. Planning for general medical emergencies, evacuation and rescue needs should be considered and, where appropriate, advice sought on the most appropriate responses. When developing an emergency plan, determine what emergency facilities are available in the area, and their feasibility for use (e.g. nearest air strip for the Royal Flying Doctor Service). Decide who will assist with search and rescue, provide information, and lead the operation on the ground and in the office. It can be beneficial to establish third-party arrangements with nearby mines, local residents and landowners.
Communication Prompt and clear communication is critical for working in remote areas. The methods of communication should be effective, with multiple backups. If one method fails due to poor coverage, power outage or weather conditions, there should be confidence that alternatives are available, particularly during an emergency (e.g. radio, satellitebased technologies, mobile phone). Consider where devices are stored (e.g. vehicle, camp) and if they should be carried when working away from a vehicle (e.g. personal locator beacons). Establish clear communication procedures. Depending on the situation, a board with the movements of staff, detailing vehicles, departure and expected arrival times, and nominated contact, can be used. Regular check-in schedules are also an option. Procedures should cover what is expected of the worker in the field if they are lost or involved in an incident, and who they should contact. The procedures should address what response is expected if someone does not return or misses a scheduled call. Nominated contacts should be aware of their responsibilities, familiar with the area being worked in, ideally be in an area with secure communications and understand the potential consequences of leaving a person unaccounted for in the field.
INCIDENTS INVOLVING REMOTE WORK •• SIR No. 257 Field technician collapses during exploration activities – fatal accident •• SIR No. 253 Injured worker not discovered and treated for extended period •• SIR No. 249 Drill offsider run over by tracked vehicle •• SIR No. 246 Fall from height during helicopter lifting operations •• SIR No. 163 Exploration employee lost in remote bush •• SIR No. 103 Hazards associated with dehydration •• SIR No. 095 Death of exploration worker
USEFUL RESOURCES The Department has a suite of information on working in remote areas.
Webpages •• •• •• •• ••
Guidance about working in remote areas Guidance about travelling for work Guidance about exploration hazards Guidance about working alone Guidance about heat and thermal stress management •• Risk management approach to emergency preparedness •• Developing emergency response plans •• Guidance for mine sites, exploration camps and construction villages
Guidance •• Mineral exploration drilling – code of practice •• Emergency management for Western Australian mines – code of practice
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SAFETY AND HEALTH ALERTS AND GUIDANCE
KNOW YOUR HAZARDS: SILICA EXPOSURE IN MINING OPERATIONS In the January 2019 edition of ThinkSafe we looked at Silica exposure in general industries. In this issue we put the spotlight on the resources sector, what to look out for and what guidance is available to both workers and employers. ...
Silica or silicon dioxide exists in most metal, nonmetal and coal mines and is generated during drilling, blasting, mining, crushing, cutting and handling ores. It occurs in either crystalline or noncrystalline (amorphous) forms. The main geological forms of crystalline silica are found in quartz, cristobolite and tridymite. Quartz is most common and occurs in higher concentrations in granite (25 - 40%), shale (around 22%) and sandstones (up to 67%). Very fine dusts of crystalline silica with low densities can travel deep into the alveoli of the lungs where respiration, or air-exchange, occurs. These very small particles are usually less than five micrometres in diameter, and are termed "respirable crystalline silica" (RCS). Workers exposed to high concentrations for long periods above regulated exposure standards are at risk of developing simple pneumoconiosis, progressive massive fibrosis, silicosis, chronic obstructive heart disease and lung cancer. These diseases usually have very long latency periods, so workers may not develop any symptoms or signs until many years after they stop working around RCS.
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Early signs include coughing or wheezing, or experiencing shortness of breath that may limit activities, some people have no early symptoms. Some people are genetically more susceptible. Other exposures, such as smoking cigarettes, are known to enhance the risk of developing these conditions.
REDUCING EXPOSURE The most effective way to prevent developing these diseases is to reduce exposures to as low as possible at all times. Mines Safety Bulletin No. 163 Reducing exposure to respirable crystalline silica (quartz) highlights the need to reduce the amount of dust that is generated and released into the atmosphere.
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SAFETY AND HEALTH ALERTS AND GUIDANCE
OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE Following new cases of silicosis and lung cancer in the Queensland coal industry, the Queensland Government has developed some resources to explain coal workers’ pneumoconiosis, prevention, detection and support for workers. They are found at Miners’ Health Matters.
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SAFETY AND HEALTH ALERTS AND GUIDANCE
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LEAVE FIREWORKS TO THE PROFESSIONALS From the State’s annual Skyworks on Australia Day to the many small events around WA, everyone loves firework displays. Fireworks are dangerous (they can kill people) and are classified as explosives. This means that only licensed, trained, experienced and competent operators are allowed to conduct firework displays. The Department administers the Dangerous Goods Safety (Explosives) Regulations 2007 and the use of fireworks comes within the ambit of these regulations. A fireworks event permit needs to be issued for each public fireworks display. Before a permit is issued, the fireworks contractor needs permission from the local police, Department of Fire and Emergency Services, local government authority, owner of the land, Civil Aviation Safety Authority and possibly other authorities if the display is over navigable waters. The Department assesses the applications to ensure they comply with its Safe use of outdoor fireworks in Western Australia – code of practice and the legislation. It needs to be satisfied that the display will be conducted in a safe and secure manner before issuing a permit. Fortunately there have not been any injuries or deaths caused by fireworks at the Skyworks, although there have been a number of incidents over the years, including a barge fire in 2007 and projectile fireworks shooting towards a helicopter
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in 1999. In 2017, the Skyworks display was cancelled after a fatal plane crash into the Swan River during afternoon celebrations prior to the event.
AUSTRALIA DAY SKYWORKS More than 12 months of planning goes into organising an event on the scale of the Skyworks. There are 40 organisations involved with the event, ranging from local councils to the WA Police, Department of Fire and Emergency Services, Swan River Trust, Department of Transport (Marines and Harbours) and St John Ambulance. Throughout the year, the Department attends meetings held by the City of Perth. The Department looks at what is proposed and confirms any differences from previous years do not compromise safety. The onus is on the fireworks contractor or event organiser to prove they can be used safely. A camp is set up on the northern side of Heirisson Island, where the barges are loaded with fireworks. There were 19 barges in the 2019 display. It takes a week for the barges to be loaded, yet the entire event is fired in 30 minutes. On the morning of the display, the barges are towed to the firing points. This year, 12 barges formed a circle in the middle of the river, with the rest lined up either side of the circle. This provided a different effect for the display.
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SAFETY AND HEALTH ALERTS AND GUIDANCE
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DID YOU KNOW? You can find a schedule of fireworks events on the Department’s website.
Approximately 10,000 kilograms of aerial shells, ground pieces and close proximity fireworks were used in 2019. All fireworks are electrically fired and around 12,000 electric igniters were used to set up the display. Electric initiation enables large numbers of pieces to be simultaneously fired over large distances. It also allows the operator to be positioned remotely, keeping them at a safe distance from the fireworks. For the Skyworks, the operator is positioned at a distance and a height giving them an uninterrupted view of the display. This vantage point enables the operator to observe potential problems, and take immediate action to mitigate them. Electric initiation also enables precision in timing the fireworks. This is essential when the entire event is choreographed to music. The aim is that the firework explodes to the beat of the music, so an aerial shell is fired several seconds before the beat it is required to explode at. This is calculated on the time taken by the shells to fly to their exploding height.
The firing times and choreography are preprogrammed. Once the operator hits the firing button, the display will begin following the program unless there is an incident, in which case the operator can over-ride the system and immediately stop the show, or isolate a barge or certain types of fireworks or sizes of pieces. There are two fire boats roaming near the barges to put out any spot fires. The Department has been working with the operator to reduce the amount of combustible packaging and materials associated with the fireworks. The Skyworks are held in mid-summer and conditions are often hot and windy and conducive to fires. The Department wants to see the elimination of the cardboard and tissue paper packaging that comes with ground pieces to reduce the chance of fires. Perth Water is an ideal place to stage a very large fireworks event. The river between the city and South Perth is broad with many large parks and cleared spaces along its edges for people to watch the display safely from the shore, or from up in Kings Park overlooking the river.
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HEALTH AND HYGIENE
WHOSE RESPONSIBILITY IS IT TO PROTECT WORKERS FROM HEALTH AND HYGIENE HAZARDS ON MINE SITES? In January, we looked at what health and hygiene management is and what is required in a health and hygiene management plan. In this edition, we look at just who is responsible for worker exposure to health hazards, and what can be done to improve worker engagement with their own health and safety. ...
Health and hygiene hazards on mine sites can include dusts, chemicals, radiation, noise, extremes of temperature, ergonomic, vibration, bacteriological, fungal and illumination hazards. When personal protective equipment (PPE), or use of portable ventilation equipment, is the only form of protection available to the worker, achieving the protection is totally dependent on this equipment being used properly. Unfortunately, it has become more common to blame the exposed worker, with the excuse of the exposure being human behaviour or error, “they didn’t follow the procedure” or “their risk assessment was inadequate”. The Mines Safety and Inspection Act 1994 imposes general 'duty of care' provisions on employers to maintain safe and healthy workplaces and protect people at work from hazards. But employees have a responsibility to ensure their own safety and health at work as well. Yes, people should follow the procedure, they should do a proper risk assessment and they should wear their PPE correctly. However, by placing sole responsibility on the individuals involved, the organisation can lose sight of the factors underlying the behaviour or error that contribute to an exposure. In doing so, they also lose the opportunity to improve their safety systems and prevent repeat occurrences in the future. In the long term, this approach runs the risk of driving a culture where people do not report exposures, incidents or their safety concerns, for fear of a negative outcome – no-one really wants to be blamed.
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It is important to remember that human error is not the root cause, it is the outcome of a combination of factors. It is the organisation’s responsibility to identify which factors influence behaviour and then design jobs with consideration of these factors so that they influence people to behave in the preferred manner. One approach that can be used is a combination of error risk factor reduction and error mitigation or management. •• Error risk management (prevention) – strategies to reduce likelihood of an error being made. •• Error management (mitigation) – strategies to ensure that errors can be identified when they happen, and that recovery from the error is possible to mitigate the outcome.
Where a task has a control measure that is dependent on human interaction, the control can be compromised by an error and that error can contribute to the failure of the intended controls. So, you need to figure out how to reduce the likelihood of an error happening and, in the event that an error is made, ensure appropriate error mitigation.
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HEALTH AND HYGIENE
EXAMPLE
Organisation
Error prevention or risk management Individual
Job
•• Awareness of short term and long term consequences of not wearing PPE •• Comfort and fit of PPE •• Whether it is acceptable not to wear PPE •• Perceived rewards/reprimands associated with not wearing it •• Perceived rewards/reprimands associated with wearing it.
Error prevention
Human reliability
Desired performance
Q: Which factors impact the likelihood of workers wearing the correct PPE?
Human error
Error mitigation Event
Near miss
Error mitigation or management Q: If somebody does not wear their PPE how has the outcome been mitigated? •• Supervisors do a visual check of PPE at the start of each shift •• Dust levels in the area are minimised by the ventilation system •• Biological testing happens regularly and low exposure has been confirmed.
A model of human factors (Source: National Offshore Petroleum Safety Environmental Management Authority [NOPSEMA])
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SAFETY AND HEALTH REPS CORNER
MEET THE 2018 SAFETY AND HEALTH REPRESENTATIVE OF THE YEAR Scott Hunt from the City of Cockburn is proof that safety and health representatives really do make a difference. ...
The 2018 Work Safety Awards Safety and Health Representative of the Year, Scott Hunt’s regard for the safety and health of his workmates shines like a beacon.
Samantha Baron is Occupational Safety and Health Advisor for the City of Cockburn, and also the person who nominated Scott for the 2018 Safety and Health Representative of the Year award.
Scott has worked for the City of Cockburn for more than nine years. He holds the position of delivery driver, responsible for assisting in distribution and maintenance of the City’s waste bin services, as well as providing education on the waste collection program.
Samantha cannot speak highly enough of Scott, praising his enthusiasm towards the safety and health of everyone in his workplace.
Elected in 2016, Scott became the first safety and health representative for the Waste Collection Services area and promptly set about ensuring that his employer was aware of any hazards that arose, not just in the Waste Collection area, but in any area in which he noticed a problem. “I was elected as the rep for Waste Collection Services, but I take every opportunity to participate with as many departments as possible to promote a safer lifestyle,” Scott said. “I enjoy regular engagement with employees and management to come up with safer solutions, and I strive to encourage others to take their own steps to be safety champions wherever they go, not just at work.”
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“After the City won a category of the Work Safety Awards WA in 2017, I decided that Scott thoroughly deserved to be nominated for his great work as a safety and health rep,” Samantha said. “I could see something unique in Scott – he has a passion for what he does, and I always think you can give someone qualifications, but you cannot give them passion. “In addition, it’s quite evident that Scott’s win has worked to encourage others to either become safety and health reps or make improvements to give themselves a chance to be nominated for the Awards.” City of Cockburn won a Work Safety Award in 2017 in the category of “best initiative to encourage worker engagement” for its Zero Harm initiative.
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HEALTH AND HYGIENE
TYC
Samanthha Baron and Scott Hunt, City of Cockburn
Scott Hunt receiving his award from Minister Bill Johnston
The initiative’s “three courages” engages workers at the City of Cockburn to have the courage to report every incident and near-miss, intervene if they see something unsafe and stop work if they deem it to be unsafe.
“I feel you shouldn’t do anything differently at work than you do at home, and that you should live your life setting the example for others to follow.”
Since the introduction of the Zero Harm program, the number of reports of incidents, near-misses and hazards has increased dramatically. The number of safety and health representatives at the City has almost doubled. Samantha has seen the emergence and development of a safety culture among employees at the City. Scott believes that becoming a safety and health representative has given him a happier life, not just at work but everywhere else as well.
Either the employer or workers can begin the process of electing safety and health representatives in a workplace.
Nominations for the inaugural Work Health and Safety Excellence Awards are now open.
“I want to demonstrate the importance of reporting hazards and near-misses by leading from the front so we can all understand and prevent the dangers and challenges our employees face every day,” he said. “Staying healthy and injury-free is a part of a happy life, and becoming a safety and health representative provided me with a means to help others stay safe."
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INDUSTRY NEWS
LIST OF WORKSAFE PLAN RECIPIENTS WORKSAFE PLAN PLATINUM CERTIFICATE
WORKSAFE PLAN GOLD CERTIFICATE
Southern Seawater Joint Venture (SSJV) operates the Southern Seawater Desalination Plant located at Binningup. WorkSafe WA Commissioner Darren Kavanagh presented a Platinum WorkSafe Plan Certificate to Alliance Manager Mr Alberto de Miguel at the desalination plant on 25 February 2019. Platinum winners are outstanding performers with a rating of 90 per cent or more in all areas of occupational safety and health management. At this level all safe work systems are well established, documented and regularly monitored and reviewed to ensure continuous improvement. SSJV was previously awarded a Gold WorkSafe Plan certificate in 2016.
Busselton Water has been recognised with a Gold WorkSafe Plan Certificate of Achievement for its excellent commitment to implementing a safety and health management program for all employees. WorkSafe WA Commissioner Darren Kavanagh presented Busselton Water CEO Mr Chris Elliott with the Gold Certificate of Achievement at a function at the Busselton Water Administration Centre on 25 February 2019. Established in 1906, the Corporation supplies drinking water to more than 26,000 people across the Busselton area and considers safety as paramount in their high risk engineering and construction environment.
WORKSAFE PLAN GOLD CERTIFICATE The WorkSafe WA Commissioner Darren Kavanagh visited Pinjarra on 28 February 2019 to present a Gold WorkSafe Plan Certificate of Achievement to Shire President, Councillor David Bolt at the Shire of Murray. Gold winners have achieved a rating of 75 per cent or more showing excellent results in the areas of occupational safety and health management. This was the first time the Shire of Murray had submitted a WorkSafe Plan application.
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INDUSTRY NEWS
WORLD DAY FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK World Day for Safety and Health at Work is observed annually on 28 April by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and honours workers who died as a result of a work-related injury or illness. The day aims to raise awareness through its campaign to improve occupational safety and health (OSH) worldwide. Every year the campaign continues to grow, with more participants taking the opportunity to improve organisational awareness and knowledge. With a united goal of preventing and reducing the number of fatalities and injuries in the workplace, safety and health practitioners, participating companies, national authorities, trade unions and employers’ organisations can use the initiative to draw attention to workplace risks. ILO will launch a global report sharing stories of the past 100 years of reducing fatalities and improving safety and health work environments to mark ILO’s centenary. The report will touch on changes made in different industries including, digitalisation and ICT, platform work, automation and robotics, globalisation, demographics and other major influences. It covers the evolution of safety and health from before the inception of ILO in 1919 and recognises the major turning points that have influenced the field of OSH. This year's World Day reflects on 100 years of work improving occupational safety and health, and looks to the future of work and OSH.
HISTORY OF WORLD DAY 28 April has been recognised as International Commemoration Day for Dead and Injured Workers by the trade union movement since 1966. In 2003, the ILO became involved in the event, capitalising on its strengths and social dialogue. ILO works to promote the shared responsibility of key stakeholders and encourages a preventative safety and health culture within all workplaces.
GET INVOLVED ILO has a suite of resources available for industry use including fact sheets, toolboxes, and historical records. For the list of resources available, visit the International Labour Organisation website. You can do a number of things to get involved including; •• Promote World Day for Safety and Health at Work in your workplace •• Arrange a safety expert to speak in your workplace.
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INDUSTRY NEWS
THE WESTERN AUSTRALIAN VIRTUAL MINERS MEMORIAL (WAVMM)
A wife wrote of her husband after his fatal accident, “I wanted him to be ‘not just a number'”. Help me to have the victims of mine accidents and dust disease recognised”.
Ms Moya Sharp, founder of the Western Australian Virtual Miners Memorial (WAVMM) was inspired by the virtual memorial website for the HMAS Sydney. Dr Criena Fitzgerald, a medical and occupational health historian, is co-collaborator on the database. The aim of the database is to ensure that the individuals who have lost their lives in the mining industry are recognised for their contribution to the state. The WAVMM initially recorded information on deaths from mining-related accidents. In 2013, it was expanded to include people who have died of lung disease, or were ‘dusted’ from exposure to high concentrations of quartz dust generated from gold mining. The goal of WAVMM is for the information to be accurate, complete and up-to-date. Visitors to the site are encouraged to provide photographs,
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marriage, birth and death records and any family memories of the deceased. Anecdotal information is checked for veracity as far as possible, but family stories and memories of the deceased are recorded as they are. For many families, it is the only information they have about the fate of a family member. The importance of this endeavour was recognised when the WAVMM was highly commended at the 2015 Australian Mining Prospect Awards for its contribution to mining. In 2016, WAVMM was a finalist in the Western Australian Heritage Awards. It was also a nominee for the Australia Day Awards for community contribution. If someone wishes to submit the name of a family member to the memorial there is no fee attached. The WAVMM operates entirely on grant funding, sponsorship and donations.
Government of Western Australia
Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety
Concrete and masonry cutting code gets an update On 19 March 2019 an updated Code of practice: Concrete and masonry cutting and drilling came into effect. The new guidance is a revision of a code that was first gazetted in 2004. In recent years evidence had been mounting that the existing guidance was becoming out of date with regard to some work practices, and that new methods and technologies had shifted what might be considered practicable in the sector. Changes and amendments were considered by the tripartite Construction Industry Safety Advisory Committee, a sub-committee of the Commission for Occupational Safety and Health, and proposed changes were put to Minister Johnston for his approval earlier this year. The 2019 version of the code provides practical advice across a range of identified hazards including saw kickback, hazardous dusts, toxic fumes, manual handlings, noise and vibration. It provides a new point of reference for all people involved in concrete and masonry cutting and drilling, including employers, contractors, workers, self-employed people, safety and health representatives and the designers, manufacturers, importers and suppliers of plant.
The new Code of practice: Concrete and masonry cutting and drilling is available to download from the Department’s website.
The new code of practice is available to download from the Department’s website, and applies to all workplaces covered by the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 where concrete and masonry cutting and drilling equipment is used. The code of practice can also be made available in alternative formats upon request.
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SAFETY REGULATION GROUP Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety Postal address: 100 Plain Street, East Perth WA 6004
MINES SAFETY
WORKSAFE
including exploration, mining and mineral processing
for general industries
Telephone: 1800 SAFEMINE (1800 7233 6463) (general enquiries, mines safety reporting and safety and health representatives) Email: MinesSafety@dmirs.wa.gov.au (general enquiries) mineshreps@dmirs.wa.gov.au (safety and health representatives)
Telephone: 1300 307 877 (general enquiries) 1300 424 091 (licensing) 1800 678 198 (24 hours serious incident and fatality reporting) Email: WorkSafeCallCentre@dmirs.wa.gov.au (general enquiries)
DANGEROUS GOODS SAFETY
Mason Bird Building, Level 1, 303 Sevenoaks Street, Cannington WA 6107
including explosives and fireworks
WORKSAFE LIBRARY
Telephone: +61 8 6251 2300 MINE PLANS Email: dgsb@dmirs.wa.gov.au Telephone: 1800 SAFEMINE (1800 7233 6463) (dangerous goods safety enquiries) Email: rsdmineplans@dmirs.wa.gov.au cso@dmirs.wa.gov.au (dangerous goods licensing enquiries)
PETROLEUM SAFETY including pipelines and operations, major hazard facilities and geothermal energy Telephone: +61 8 9358 8001
SAFETY REGULATION SYSTEM (SRS)
Telephone: +61 8 9358 8001 (select option 3) Email: SRSManager@dmirs.wa.gov.au
SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS including publications and events Telephone: +61 8 9358 8154 Email: SafetyComms@dmirs.wa.gov.au
Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety
RSDApr19_1018
@DMIRS_WA
