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.

Who is at risk?

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.

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).

Regardless of the scope and type of remote work, consider the following aspects when developing safe systems of work.

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).

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.