SAFETY AND HEALTH IN THE WORKPLACE
VOL. 1 NO. 1 JANUARY 2019
ISSN 2651-9577
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INTRODUCING THINKSAFE
MODERNISING WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY LAWS
SHARING LESSONS LEARNED DURING SAFE WORK MONTH
KNOW YOUR HAZARDS: SPOTLIGHT ON SILICA
INTRODUCING
THINKSAFE
OUR NEW ONLINE MAGAZINE
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
Chris Kirwin
Sara Ashwell
Craig Little
Andrew Ballam
Greg Little
Gillian Carter
Russell Miners
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.
Tse Yin Chang
Bec Moore
Shibani Chakrabourti (Curtin University)
Ella Nield
Andrew Chaplyn
Mention of proprietary products does not imply endorsement by DMIRS.
Andrew Cotgreave
Sally North
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:
Amy Douglas-Martens
ThinkSafe Editor Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety Mineral House, 100 Plain Street East Perth WA 6004
Fran Joubert
Enquiries: 08 9358 8149 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
Iain Dainty Peter Drygala Paul Foley Su Ho Akshay Hooda
Lindy Nield Beau Pearson Elle Rakich Jose Sanchez Lin Stain Ross Stidolph Tracy Wynands Roy Zylstra
PHOTO ATTRIBUTION SA = Sara Ashwell TYC = Tse Yin Chang
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
Creating mentally healthy workplaces In 2019, a code of practice will be released covering mentally healthy workplaces for fly-in fly-out (FIFO) workers in the resources and construction sectors in Western Australia. This highlights the State Government’s commitment to driving change in mental health, and improving workplace health and safety for all Western Australians.
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FROM THE EDITOR 2 Introducing ThinkSafe
DEPARTMENT NEWS
11 Know your hazards: Spotlight on silica
4 New WorkSafe Western Australia Commissioner
13 Spotlight on asbestos in the built environment
LEGISLATIVE AND LEGAL NEWS 5 Modernising workplace health and safety laws
RESOURCES AND SUPPORT SERVICES The Department’s website lists a selection of the many online resources and support services related to mental health and wellbeing. Visit the Department’s website for more information.
SAFETY AND HEALTH ALERTS AND GUIDANCE
16 Lift your game – focus on mobile elevating work platforms 18 Safety alerts
HEALTH AND HYGIENE
6 Cutting red tape for transporters of explosives and fireworks
20 Health and Hygiene Management Plan in SRS
EVENT NEWS
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
8 Sharing lessons learned during Safe Work Month
22 Beware arc flash!
INDUSTRY NEWS 24 Study into the role of safety and health representatives in the WA mining industry
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FROM THE EDITOR
INTRODUCING THINKSAFE Welcome to the first issue of ThinkSafe magazine, the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety’s new flagship online publication for workplace safety and health in Western Australia. ...
A DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
WHERE HAVE WE COME FROM?
The Department is committed to ensuring its resources are allocated to optimise effectiveness and efficiency. This includes looking for new and innovative ways to deliver the services and products we provide, including this magazine, with digital channels preferred.
MineSafe and Resources Safety Matters
Over the last decade, technologies have dramatically changed the way people live and work. The ‘business as usual’ approach is no longer viable. Strengthening our digital platform improves the way we work, makes safety and health information more accessible, and strengthens engagement with our stakeholders. Providing more efficient communication channels allows the Department to continue to: •• share lessons learned from incident analysis and recognised good practice •• draw on a wide range of internal and external expertise to produce targeted guidance for industry •• provide opportunities to learn from collective experience and advance our safety and health knowledge.
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After 29 years, the Department’s hardcopy safety magazine for the minerals, dangerous goods and resources sector has been retired. Since it was first published as MineSafe in October 1989, its timeline not only traces its evolution, but also reflects changes in technology and records the host department and division names. MineSafe, initially released as a bulletin, has come a long way since those early days when it was a typed and photocopied eight-page document. In December 1991, it was printed in two colours. By September 1996, the first colour photographs were featured. In 2013, MineSafe was replaced by Resources Safety Matters magazine. The title, Resources Safety Matters, was chosen to reflect the magazine’s link with the then-Resources Safety Division and matters considered important to the three regulatory areas it administered. This broader resources audience was also consistent with the scope of the Reform and Development at Resources Safety strategy (RADARS).
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FROM THE EDITOR SafetyLine magazine Celebrating the soon-to-be-proclaimed Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare Regulations 1988 was the feature of the first issue of SafetyLine magazine, published in July 1988. This was a significant milestone for Western Australia as prior to this the Factories and Shops, Construction Safety and Machinery Safety Acts only covered some workers in the State. Over its 65 issues, highlights included regular appearances from the well-known ThinkSafe Sam character, and in July 1996, the then-Premier Richard Fairfax Court AC featured on the cover. Skipping forward to December 2006, the final issue of the glossy magazine was released, with the Department shifting to separate smaller SafetyLine newsletters for specific sectors, including safety and health representatives, OSH professionals and small businesses.
LOOKING AHEAD Although there have been technological and design changes to the way the magazine is produced, its primary aims haven’t altered since those early days: •• provide and update information on safety and health in general industries, mining, dangerous goods and resources •• notify industry of hazards and their risks, and critical incidents •• advise of upcoming events •• inform industry of inspectorate activities •• seek feedback. Together with the Department’s website and information sessions, the new-look online magazine will continue to play an important role in raising general awareness of safety and health issues.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Working with industry to deliver information and guidance that is 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? Send your feedback and comments to SafetyComms@dmirs.wa.gov.au
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DEPARTMENT NEWS
NEW WORKSAFE WESTERN AUSTRALIA COMMISSIONER Hon Bill Johnston MLA has announced that Mr Darren Kavanagh has been appointed as WorkSafe Western Australia Commissioner. ...
Mr Kavanagh commences this role with a high level of knowledge and experience gained from more than 20 years working in occupational safety and health, in both National and State legislative jurisdictions. His extensive career in occupational safety and health has included appointment as a member of the Commission for Occupational Safety and Health (COSH) and COSH subcommittees for several years commencing in 2004. Most recently, Mr Kavanagh worked within the Federal Department of Defence as Assistant Director Estate Management and Planning. During his ten years at Defence, he also held roles as the Risk and Compliance Manager for South Australia, Northern Territory and Western Australia; and Work Health and Safety Manager. The Minister acknowledged Mr Kavanagh’s high level of knowledge and experience in occupational safety and health. “Mr Kavanagh’s extensive experience in the sector, along with his management of multi-million dollar projects, makes him eminently suitable for this role,” Mr Johnston said. The Department welcomes Mr Kavanagh to the role, and looks forward to a strong and successful relationship in protecting the safety and health of workers in Western Australia.
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LEGISLATIVE AND LEGAL NEWS
Senior Policy Officer, Andrew Cotgreave (right) presented at the Modernising Work Health and Safety laws in WA information session held in Perth
MODERNISING WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY LAWS The modernisation of Western Australia’s Work Health and Safety laws is one of the State Government’s top priorities.
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Based on the national model Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act, the State's new legislation will not only improve consistency with the rest of Australia but also assist in ensuring the same, high standards of safety are applied across all workplaces. In July last year, the State Government formed a Ministerial Advisory Panel (MAP) to look at Western Australia's Work Health and Safety laws and how best to modernise them. Minister Bill Johnston requested MAP develop proposals to provide a single Act for mines, petroleum and general workplaces using the model WHS laws as a basis. MAP recently released a report detailing their recommendations, which form a key element in the process of modernisation. While based on the national model Act, it is important these changes are tailored for WA workplaces to protect WA workers.
consistent occupational health and safety regime in the Australian mining industry. For more information about the NMSF, visit the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science website. Throughout this process it is important that the community has a voice in the development of these laws. Accordingly, the Department conducted a series of information sessions throughout the State. These provided an overview of the proposals for adopting the WHS Act in Western Australia as developed by the MAP. The sessions also outlined how to provide feedback on the proposals or on any other aspect of the model WHS Act. A total of 66 submissions were made during public comment, with over 600 pages of content. Submissions that were not confidential have been published on the Department’s website.
It is proposed that three sets of regulations will be developed to cover general workplaces, petroleum operations and mining operations.
The Minister’s office has been provided with an analysis of the submissions made as part of the public consultation process, and is currently considering the various proposals.
For mining operations, it is proposed that the foundation for the regulations are based on the National Mines Safety Framework (NMSF). The framework is an initiative of the Council of Australian Governments which aims to achieve a nationally
While the public comment period regarding the MAP recommendations has now finished, the Department will provide further opportunities for consultation as work continues on modernising Western Australia’s WHS laws.
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LEGISLATIVE AND LEGAL NEWS
CUTTING RED TAPE FOR TRANSPORTERS OF EXPLOSIVES AND FIREWORKS
Removing unnecessary and inefficient duties imposed on transporters of explosives was the focus of the latest amendments to the Dangerous Goods Safety (Explosives) Regulations 2007 (the Explosives Regulations) that took effect on 21 March 2018. The amendments maintain the optimal effectiveness and currency of the regulations and focus on reducing regulatory burden, especially for small business. The highlighted amendments below were part of a larger reform package and more detail is available online. •• Old provision: Licensed shotfirers, fireworks operators and pyrotechnics (special use) operators were only allowed to transport explosives (up to a Category 2 threshold) for their own use. •• New provision: Licensed shotfirers, fireworks operators and pyrotechnics (special use) operators are now allowed to transport explosives (up to Category 2 threshold) for their own use as well as for use by other shotfirers. •• By removing the previous restriction, the Department has enabled industry to operate more efficiently without negatively impacting safety and security [rr. 98(b), 99(b), 100(b) and 101(1)9b)].
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•• T he amendments removed the requirement for licensed fireworks operators to notify the Department of interstate imports of fireworks [rr. 54 and 55]. The notifications did not improve fireworks safety in WA and are at variance with national policy and equivalent laws in other states. The usual notification requirements for the import of fireworks from overseas remain unchanged. •• The amendments remove the requirements imposed by section 8.4.3 Requirements for Drivers and Attendants of the Australian Explosives Code (AEC) [r. 104 (2)(c)]. This section imposes outdated, and often impractical, requirements on the prime contractor, the owner of the explosives vehicle and the driver, and was in conflict with the licensing requirements in Part 15 of the Explosives Regulations. •• In 2017, the Chief Dangerous Goods Officer, in response to requests from the Australian explosives industry and with national agreement, granted an exemption to transporters of bulk blasting explosives in intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) to dispense with the emergency information panel (EIP) label requirement on the IBCs in favour of an alternative label. The EIP requirements continued unchanged for the back of the vehicle and both sides of the freight container holding the IBCs. The amendment has now been incorporated into the Explosives Regulations [r. 104(2A)], making the exemption (No. 54 gazetted on 4 April 2017) redundant.
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LEGISLATIVE AND LEGAL NEWS
AUSTRALIAN DANGEROUS GOODS CODE MOVING WITH THE TIMES Regulatory amendments to the Dangerous Goods Safety (Road and Rail Transport of Non-explosives) Regulations 2007 on 1 September 2018 gave effect to the latest edition 7.6 of the Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail (ADG Code) for Western Australia. In line with national policy set by the National Transport Commission (NTC), the changes made to the ADG Code are optional until 1 July 2019, after which they become mandatory. Edition 7.6 is available for downloading from NTC’s website. Australian dangerous goods regulators have caught up with the current 20th edition of the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (UN Recommendations) and have incorporated the UN changes in the latest ADG Code. This action was an important step to harmonise the ADG Code with the latest international rules for the transport of dangerous goods and, importantly, with the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code), making the import of dangerous goods in ports seamless with road and rail transport. The 2018 edition of the IMDG Code is also based on the 20th edition of the UN Recommendations, and changes will be optional from 1 January 2019 and become mandatory on 1 January 2020.
An information sheet is available to summarise the major changes in edition 7.6 of the ADG Code. This summary also lists the Australian-specific changes. For instance, another two methods have been introduced for transporting dangerous goods in limited quantities: •• Mixed Packet (Lower Risk) Dangerous Goods are limited quantity dangerous goods household cleaners, which are not aerosols, pool or spa cleaners, or Division 2.3 dangerous goods. They must be contained in an outer package that weighs no more than 10 kg, contains at least 50 per cent non-dangerous goods by volume, and does not contain food. •• Personal Care Products in Consumer Packaging are limited quantity dangerous goods substances intended for placement in contact with any external part of the human body (including the mucous membranes of the oral cavity and the teeth), such as cosmetics, personal hygiene products and sunscreens. These methods represent low-risk dangerous goods packages and hence do not need to comply with most ADG Code requirements. An explanation of the various methods is highlighted in the Transporting dangerous goods packed in limited quantities information sheet.
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EVENT NEWS
SHARING LESSONS LEARNED DURING SAFE WORK MONTH October is Safe Work Month. In 2018, the Department collaborated with industry and held a variety of information sessions across the State focusing on safety and health in the workplace. ...
ROADSHOW SUPPORTING THOSE WHO SUPPORT YOU The importance of safety and health representatives and the role they play in making workplaces safer in the mining industry was one of the key themes for the 2018 Mines Safety Roadshow.
"The latest video series is part of the Department's commitment to supporting safety and health representatives and acknowledging the work they do to help improve workplace safety," Mr Chaplyn said.
Presented by the Department, the roadshows travelled to towns and cities throughout WA during October and November.
The roadshows also included an update from the regulator on what is happening in mine safety and health in WA, and workshops on mentally healthy workplaces and investigations into serious and fatal accidents.
Director Mines Safety Andrew Chaplyn said the roadshow has grown in popularity over the years. "This was the fourteenth year we have hosted the roadshow and it continues to be one of our most important proactive events in mines safety. Over 850 people attended the roadshow over the 13 locations," Mr Chaplyn said. "This included the launch of a new series of safety videos focused on the importance of safety and health representatives and the key roles they play in consulting and promoting safe work practices in the mining industry." The videos come off the back of the successful 'Know your hazards' video series produced by the Department.
The Mines Safety Roadshow is an interactive event that encourages engagement and the exchange of ideas. Findings from the workshops will be in the next edition of ThinkSafe. The Safety and health representative videos are now online for viewing. Toolbox presentations from the 2018 Mines Safety Roadshow are available for industry use.
SA
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EVENT NEWS
CREATING COLLECTIVE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES To support Safe Work Month in October 2018, a series of DMIRS workshops for general industry focused not only on topical issues such as mental health at work, but also supported WorkSafe’s compliance campaign on armed holdups and violence in the retail sector. Deputy Director General Ian Munns said that the workshops were always very popular. “In some instances, such as Plant in the Workplace and the Safety and Health Representatives Forum, participants had the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on knowledge, and we find ourselves offering these workshops every year,” Mr Munns said. “Safe Work Month provides us with the opportunity to promote safety at WA workplaces. Our workshops are not only opportunities to learn from presenters with a wealth of occupational safety and health industry experience and expertise, but also a chance to gain tools, techniques and strategies to take back to the workplace.” Be part of Safe Work October 2019 – mark October as Safe Work Month in your 2019 calendar.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA’S RESOURCES SECTOR CONTINUES TO SHINE Winners of this year's Safety and Health Resources Sector Awards were announced at the 2018 DMIRS Resources Sector Awards for Excellence ceremony in October. The Safety and Health Resources Sector Awards recognise individuals, teams and companies that have developed a new initiative or an original solution to safety and health problems in the workplace. The Awards highlight and promote leadership and innovation to ensure continuous improvement to safety and health in WA’s resources sector. Roy Hill Holdings was awarded in the Safety and Health Engineering category for its unique lightning protection system, which protects staff who are moving around facilities during lightning red alerts. Mineral Resources Limited was recognised for its Spring Leaf Pack Hoist, reducing impact injuries to hands and fingers during the removal and replacement of leaf spring packs. The Systems and People award was presented to Rio Tinto Iron Ore for its effective and practical solution to emergency response exposure reduction initiative, BARRIO.
Top: The Emergency Response Exposure Reduction Initiative – BARRIO project team Bottom: The Lightning Protection System project team
Newmont Mining was acknowledged for its mentoring program supporting safety and health representatives. More information on the awards is available online.
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EVENT NEWS
CELEBRATING SAFETY WorkSafe congratulates the finalists and winners of the prestigious 2018 Work Safety Awards, which were presented at the Celebrate Safety event on 24 October 2018. These Awards recognise outstanding workplace safety and health management, innovations and solutions that reduce the risk of injuries and disease in the workplace. The winners were: Best workplace safety and health management system – Bethesda Health Care for its outstanding safety and health management system and improvement strategies aimed at reducing workplace injuries and diseases. Safety and health invention of the year – Watertight Robotics for its custom-built electronically powered crawling robot designed specifically for the maintenance of water storage assets.
2018 Work Safety Awards winners
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Best solution to a specific workplace safety and health issue – Qantas Freight for the development of remote control operation of pallet lifters, eliminating the risks of work at heights. Best solution to a manual handling issue – Perth Airport for its Australian-first development of lighted runway cross trailers, which replaces previous methods of closing runways. Best initiative to encourage worker engagement in safety – GFWA for its safety awareness program called 'Our Cultural Shift' to improve the organisation's safety culture. Safety and health representative of the year – Scott Hunt from the City of Cockburn for his consistent championing of safety and looking for ways to improve safety in the Waste Collection Services area and across the City. Read more about the 2018 Winners and finalists online.
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SAFETY AND HEALTH ALERTS AND GUIDANCE
KNOW YOUR HAZARDS: SPOTLIGHT ON SILICA The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organisation (WHO) of the United Nations, has classified silica as a Class 1 carcinogen, causing lung cancer, renal disease and autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis. ...
WHAT IS SILICA DUST? Crystalline silica (quartz) is a naturally occurring mineral found in most rocks, stone, sand and clay, and in brick, concrete, tile and manufactured stone prooducts. When working with these materials, the silica is released as a fine dust. This dust is respirable crystalline silica (RCS), commonly called silica dust.
WHAT IS THE HAZARD?
The workplace exposure standard for RCS is exceeded when the amount of dust a worker breathes over a full shift contains more RCS than the amount shown here next to a five cent piece. However, workers may still suffer adverse health effects from lower levels of exposure.
Breathing in RCS can cause: •• •• •• •• •• ••
silicosis lung cancer (associated with silicosis) kidney disease increased risk of tuberculosis possible increased risk of autoimmune diseases chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
WHICH WORK ACTIVITIES HAVE A HIGHER RISK OF EXPOSURE? Examples of work activities that can generate RCS include: •• fabrication and installation of composite (engineered or manufactured) stone countertops Note: Silicosis risks are much greater when working with engineered stone as it contains up to 95% crystalline silicia while natural stone contains 5-50% silica
WHAT IS SILICOSIS? Silicosis is an incurable lung disease, with inflammation and scarring of the lungs, causing shortness of breath, coughing, fatigue and other symptoms. There are three types of silicosis: •• acute silicosis results from short-term exposure to very high levels of silica over a period of weeks or months to several years •• accelerated silicosis results from 5-10 years’ exposure to high levels of silica – this is becoming more prevalent in workers who work with engineered stone •• chronic silicosis results from long term (more than 10 years) exposure to lower levels of silica.
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SAFETY AND HEALTH ALERTS AND GUIDANCE
•• •• •• •• •• ••
•• •• •• •• ••
lay and stone processing machine operations c paving and surfacing tunnelling construction labouring activities brick, concrete or stone cutting; especially using dry methods abrasive blasting (blasting agent must not contain greater than 1 per cent of crystalline silica) foundry casting angle grinding, jack hammering and chiselling of concrete or masonry mining, quarrying and mineral ore treating processes excavation, earth moving and drilling plant operations hydraulic fracturing of gas and oil wells.
WHAT CAN EMPLOYERS DO TO PROTECT WORKERS? Western Australian occupational safety and health legislation requires employers, in consultation with workers, to identify hazards, assess risks and implement practical controls to protect workers’ health and safety. Managing risks and worker exposures to silica can be achieved by selecting and implementing appropriate control measures. The most effective controls are still elimination and substitution: •• e liminate, where possible, tasks that generate dust •• substitute, where possible, with safer products •• use exhaust ventilation systems to capture and remove dust at the source •• use dust capture systems on portable tools •• apply water suppression systems to reduce dust generation •• follow instructions and controls outlined in safety data sheets and product labels
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•• u se water or an approved vacuum cleaner (class M or H) to clean up dust and avoid using compressed air or sweeping •• conduct regular air monitoring to confirm everyone at the workplace is working within safe levels of exposure •• use well maintained and appropriate personal protective equipment (e.g. face masks). If there is regular exposure to crystalline silica there may be a health risk (for example, where exposure is frequently at or above 50% of the exposure standard). Health surveillance must be provided to workers in accordance with regulation 5.23 of the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations.
ONLINE RESOURCES AVAILABLE Guidance note – Safe stone product fabrication and installation The Commission for Occupational Safety and Health has recently released a guidance note on safe stone product fabrication and installation. This guide outlines how to control exposure to airborne RCS dust during fabrication of stone benchtops or similar stone products and the health effects of breathing RCS dust. Safety alert 11/2018 Stone benchtop workers at risk of fatal silicosis
RCS AND THE MINING SECTOR In our next issue of ThinkSafe magazine, we will take a closer look at exposures in the mining sector and what mining operations can do to protect their workers.
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SAFETY AND HEALTH ALERTS AND GUIDANCE
SPOTLIGHT ON ASBESTOS IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT Asbestos is a hazardous material that presents a health risk if people are exposed to airborne asbestos fibres. Inhalation of asbestos fibres is known to cause mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer. ...
Asbestos was used extensively in the built environment between the mid-1900s to the 1980s. The use of asbestos-containing materials (ACM) in building products was phased out in Australia by the late 1980s. It was, however, still used in equipment and vehicles until all forms of asbestos were banned in December 2003. Even after this ban, importers of materials and plant have been found inadvertently importing ACM. Building products containing asbestos are now at least 30 years old. Employers and people in control of workplaces have a duty to ensure asbestos is managed to prevent people being exposed to asbestos-related hazards.
MANAGING THE RISKS OF ACM IN WORKPLACES An asbestos register identifying the location and condition of ACM at the workplace should be prepared. In addition, the register needs to include risk assessment and control measures. The asbestos register should be available to everyone in the workplace, kept up-to-date and used in planning any maintenance or other works that may disturb ACM. It should be reviewed regularly, to include new information, changes in ACM condition, and to note any removal work.
Identify Asbestos should be identified by a competent person, who has the training and experience in asbestos surveying to be able to determine likely locations of ACM in the workplace environment. An asbestos survey may include testing of suspect materials, or may presume materials are ACM based on their age and appearance. Any materials presumed to be ACM must be handled as if they were ACM. Warning labels and signs should be used to warn people of the presence of ACM. Prior to major works such as renovation or demolition, further identification processes may be required as not all parts of the workplace may have been accessible during preparation of the asbestos register, such as wall cavities.
Assess The risk assessment is initially conducted during the establishment of the asbestos register. However, it should be reviewed on a regular basis as the condition of ACM may change due to weathering, abrasion from vegetation, or other damage. The risk assessment should consider the form (friable or non-friable) and condition of the ACM, and the potential for exposure during routine and maintenance tasks.
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SAFETY AND HEALTH ALERTS AND GUIDANCE
Control Risks should be controlled effectively considering the hierarchy of controls, with elimination of the ACM being the first choice. Other control measures include painting or coating.
Corrug ated as be ongoin g weath stos sheeting may de ering gra
With the continuous ageing of ACM building products, removal should be considered where practical, particularly for materials subject to ongoing weathering (e.g. roofs, fences, or materials located in harsh environments). Use a competent person, such as a licensed asbestos removalist, and follow safe methods for asbestos removal. Safe work procedures are also required for ongoing maintenance tasks such as cleaning gutters on a building with an ACM roof and minor repairs – refer to Safe Work Australia’s code of practice on how to manage and control asbestos in the workplace.
AWARENESS TRAINING FOR WORKERS Information and training must be provided to workers who may come into contact with ACM at the workplace, or who have a role in arranging maintenance or other works that could disturb ACM. This includes access to and training on how to use the asbestos register. Workers should also be informed of the location of ACM in the workplace, and the health risks of asbestos exposure. Workers required to handle ACM should receive specific training to ensure safe work procedures are used.
HEALTH SURVEILLANCE Health surveillance, supervised by an appointed medical practitioner, is required where there is a risk to health from asbestos exposure.
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de as a
result o f
WHAT IS FRIABLE AND NON-FRIABLE ASBESTOS? Friable asbestos products can, when dry, be crumbled into fine material or dust by hand pressure. These products usually contain high levels of asbestos, which is loosely held in the product so that the asbestos fibres are easily released into the air. Examples include pipe lagging, boiler insulation, fire retardant on steel work and sprayed insulation. Bonded (or non-friable) asbestos products are made from a bonding compound (such as sand aggregate and cement) reinforced with asbestos fibres. Bonded asbestos products are solid and rigid and cannot be crumbled, pulverised or reduced to powder by hand pressure. Common names for bonded asbestos products are 'fibro', 'asbestos cement' and 'AC sheeting'. When bonded asbestos products are damaged (e.g. physical or water damage, including hail damage) or badly weathered, areas may become friable.
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SAFETY AND HEALTH ALERTS AND GUIDANCE
MORE INFORMATION
BEWARE INADVERTENTLY IMPORTING ACM
•• Guidance on ACM at mine sites and accommodation is provided in Mines Safety Bulletin No. 129 Management of asbestos-containing materials at mine sites and accommodation •• Checklist on managing asbestos in workplaces •• Safe Work Australia –– Safe removal of asbestos – code of practice –– How to manage and control asbestos in the workplace – code of practice •• Information on selecting an asbestos removalist •• Guidance on health surveillance –– Asbestos: Health surveillance - Guide for employers –– Guidance about risk-based approach to health surveillance
Asbestos has recently been found in the friction plates of rail carriages imported from China between 2007 and 2014. They were thought to be asbestos-free and have not needed replacing since the carriages were acquired. Testing by a National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accredited laboratory in Australia has found that the wear plates contain chrysotile (white) asbestos. Asbestos has also recently been found in a range of imported building products across Australia, including fibre cement boards, expanded polystyrene panels and gaskets in various forms of plant.
For further information, contact your regulator on 1800 SAFE MINE (Mines Safety) or 1300 307 877 (WorkSafe – general workplaces).
Importers from countries that still manufacture asbestos-containing goods should be aware of the different definitions and standards applied to asbestos in the country of origin. DMIRS expects importers of plant and machinery to have rigorous systems in place to ensure the products and items they import do not contain asbestos. They should not simply depend on the information provided by manufacturers, but conduct their own testing.
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SAFETY AND HEALTH ALERTS AND GUIDANCE
LIFT YOUR GAME – FOCUS ON MOBILE ELEVATING WORK PLATFORMS
While mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) are versatile pieces of equipment, safe design, maintenance and operation are all essential to reduce the risk of incidents that could result in serious injuries or fatalities. This article reminds industry of their legal obligations and the Department’s expectations regarding safe use of these machines. ...
CAN A MULTI-PURPOSE MACHINE BE A MEWP? Yes, any telescopic handler machine (THM), integrated tool carrier (ITC) or other multi-purpose plant that can be configured for use with a variety of attachments including jibs for lifting suspended loads, forks, or a bucket is a MEWP when configured with a work platform attachment for lifting personnel.
WHAT IS THE ISSUE? DMIRS have identified the following common contributory factors relating to incidents involving MEWPs: •• •• •• ••
lack of operator competency incorrect or inadvertent operation of equipment poor task risk assessment inadequate maintenance.
OPERATOR COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS People who operate boom-type MEWPs with a boom length greater than 11 metres must have the appropriate class of high risk work licence (HRWL) issued under the national competency standard (WP Class).
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This is a mandatory requirement under Schedule 6.3 – High risk work of the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996 and regulation 6.37 (1A) (a) of the Mines Safety and Inspection Regulations 1995. For other types and sizes of MEWP (e.g. scissor lifts, boom type less than 11 metres), the operator does not require a HRWL to operate. However, employers still have a duty to ensure operators are competent (trained and assessed). Anyone in the basket of a boom-type MEWP is normally required to wear a fall arrest or fall restraint device. Additional working at height training and assessment is required on the correct use of such personal protective equipment (PPE).
CONTROLLING THE RISKS Employers have legal obligations to identify, assess and reduce hazards. These assessments may identify that, where the hazard cannot be eliminated, additional protection and provisions may be required to protect people. Use the hierarchy of control to determine the most effective approach to controlling the risks. For repetitive tasks performed from a MEWP, you may wish to install a fixed access platform to substitute for the use of a MEWP.
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SAFETY AND HEALTH ALERTS AND GUIDANCE
Other engineering or segregation controls could include installation of: •• dedicated overhead protection or secondary guarding for the MEWP operator •• barricading for the operating area to prevent access by pedestrians or those not involved in the task •• dedicated control panel protection to protect from inadvertent operation (physical, pressure sensing or proximity sensing) •• attachments for securing or supporting items that are frequently lifted or moved. If the risk remains after considering higher order controls, reduce exposure to hazards through administrative means such as: •• higher levels of supervision •• use of a safety observer (spotter).
Hierarchy of control
Complying with the standards As a minimum method of risk reduction and to meet regulatory requirements MEWPs should fully comply with the relevant Australian standards. Compliance with AS/NZS 1418 Cranes, hoists and winches is required under the regulations. In addition to the general requirements for design of cranes, hoists and winches (including MEWPs), AS/NZS 1418 Part 10 specifically covers the design of MEWPs and Part 19 covers telescopic handlers.
ARE MEWPS CONSIDERED CLASSIFIED PLANT? Dedicated MEWPs and multi-purpose plant configured as MEWPs that can lift people, have a platform movement of more than 2.4 metres, or are a boom-type MEWP, are classified plant and require registration. For multi-purpose plant, it is not just the work platform that requires registration – the complete assembled machine (when configured as a MEWP) must comply with AS/NZS 1418.10 and be registered as a complete functional unit. There is a general exemption from the provisions of regulation 6.34(1) of the Mines Safety and Inspection Regulations 1995 accepting registration of certain classified plant by some other Commonwealth, State or Territory authorities in lieu of registration under the regulations. However, this does not alter the requirement for full compliance with AS/NZS 1418.10. An exemption to full compliance may be sought on a case-by-case basis.
FURTHER INFORMATION More information is available on the Department’s website at www.dmirs.wa.gov.au •• Guidance on mobile elevating work platforms (MEWP) •• Mines Safety Bulletin No. 114 Compliance requirements for multi-purpose mobile plant •• Mines Safety Significant Incident Report No. 270 Operator trapped between elevated work platform (EWP) and overhead structure •• Resources Safety Matters magazine –– Vol. 1 No. 3, September 2013, pages 30-31 –– Vol. 2 No. 1, January 2014, pages 39-41 Australian Standards, www.standards.org.au •• AS/NZS 1418 Cranes, hoists and winches •• AS 2550 Part 10 Cranes, hoists and winches – Safe use – Mobile elevating work platforms High risk work licence requirements www.dmirs.wa.gov.au/worksafe
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SAFETY AND HEALTH ALERTS AND GUIDANCE
SA
L E RT A Y T FE
S
rts fety ale a s , s t r nt repo uary t incide ed since 1 Jan n a c fi i sign s releas List of ulletin b y t e f 2018 and sa cember e D 1 3 2018 to ...
MINES SAFETY Significant incident reports SIR No. 257 Field technician collapses during exploration activities – fatal accident SIR No. 258 Dinghy capsizes in dredge pond after entanglement SIR No. 259 Electrician injured by arc flash in low voltage switchboard SIR No. 260 Autonomous truck significantly damaged by lightning strike SIR No. 261 Face shovel operator crushed between ladder and handrail – fatal accident
SIR No. 269 Structural failure of a corrugated steel water tank SIR No. 270 Operator trapped between elevated work platform (EWP) and overhead structure SIR No. 271 Near miss when latch fails and gate swings open on a haul truck
Safety bulletins MSB No. 146 Contact with workers or equipment by excavators MSB No. 147 Minimising exposure to hazardous contaminants in gold rooms MSB No. 149 Hazards associated with batteries
SIR No. 262 Integrated tool carrier tips over underground
MSB No. 150 Design, modification and maintenance of local extraction ventilation systems in gold rooms
SIR No. 263 Asbestos-containing material (ACM) disturbed in power transformer
MSB No. 151 Ventilation design in underground mines
SIR No. 264 Solvent vapour explosion during engine maintenance task
MSB No. 152 Hazards associated with accessing unoccupied mines for recreational purposes
SIR No. 265 Manned loader falling into an open stope
MSB No. 153 Preventing noise-induced hearing loss in WA mines
SIR No. 266 Underground operator struck on the head by a high pressure air line SIR No. 267 Haul truck operator loses control descending ramp on haul road – fatal accident SIR No. 268 Near miss when accumulator components are ejected from a haul truck
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MSB No. 154 Managing long-term exposure to carcinogenic welding fumes MSB No. 155 Inspecting synthetic fibre round slings MSB No. 156 Stench gas activation stations for underground mining operations (reissued)
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SAFETY AND HEALTH ALERTS AND GUIDANCE
DANGEROUS GOODS SAFETY Significant incident reports SIR No. 01-18 Gasket rupture at processing facility results in gas leak SIR No. 02-18 Fireworks technician injured in fireworks line-of-fire incident
Safety bulletins SB No. 02-18 Safety considerations when switching to flammable refrigerants
PETROLEUM SAFETY
Safety alert 04/2018 Worker fatally injured during maintenance to a rock drilling truck Safety alert 05/2018 Worker receives multiple foot fractures after exiting forklift Safety alert 06/2018 Worker injured by ammonia during work near refrigeration unit Safety alert 07/2018 Farm worker fatally injured during unexpected movement of tractor Safety alert 08/2018 Worker crushed by falling gate Safety alert 09/2018 Managing work-related violence in home and community care services
Significant incident reports
Safety alert 10/2018 Advertisers standing near roadways, roundabouts and in parking area
SIR 01/2018 Gasket rupture at processing facility results in gas leak
Safety alert 11/2018 Stone benchtop workers at risk of fatal silicosis
SIR 02/2018 Inadequate electrical isolation leads to electric shock from a potentially fatal ‘floating neutral’ situation
Safety alert 12/2018 High pressure water cleaning of asbestos cement
WORKSAFE
Safety alert 13/2018 Asbestos in Bunsen burner gauze mats
Safety alert 01/2018 Worker seriously injured by flammable liquid fire Safety alert 02/2018 Vehicle hoist service and maintenance Safety alert 03/2018 Worker fatally injured during plant change process
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HEALTH AND HYGIENE
HEALTH AND HYGIENE MANAGEMENT PLAN IN SRS Managing the health and safety of people working in the mining industry is a key objective of the Mines Safety and Inspection Act 1994 (the Act). Section 9 of the Act places a general duty of care on employers to have systems so workers are not exposed to hazards. In November 2018, the State mining engineer requested all mines without a current risk-based hygiene management plan (RBHMP) to submit a health and hygiene management plan (HHMP) through the Safety Regulation System (SRS) no later than 30 June 2019. The letter requested companies with a current RBHMP to submit a HHMP no later than 31 December 2019.
WHAT IS REQUIRED IN A HEALTH AND HYGIENE MANAGEMENT PLAN (HHMP)? The Preparation of a health and hygiene management plan – guide outlines the Department’s requirement to develop a site-based HHMP. Registered managers often engage occupational hygienists and other specialists to assist. An effective HHMP provides a structured means of demonstrating an understanding of the hazards on site, the controls to reduce risk and the means of validating that the controls are effective (Table 1). The registered manager must endorse the plan and commit the organisation to fulfil its commitments.
Table 1 Key contents of a health and hygiene management plan
Mandatory information
Necessary detail
Description of operation
•• •• •• ••
ite location and commodity S Operation function and type Operational activities Utilities, ancillary and support services •• Staffing
•• •• •• •• ••
Hazard identification
•• At all stages of process •• Detail hazards and controls
•• Exploration, mining, process, village •• Engineering, administrative, personal protective equipment (PPE)
Health risk assessment
•• S pecify corporate action criteria and actions •• Define similar exposure groups (SEGs) •• Document assessment of risk with controls in place
•• Levels that trigger remedial action •• Document monitoring plan to assess risk •• Statistical analyses used to determine risk acceptability
Risk management plans
•• D ocumented management strategies for each hazard when risk is not acceptable
•• P lanned remedial actions and emergency response, if applicable •• Management plans (i.e. dust, fibres, noise, hazardous substances)
Validation of controls
•• Annual sampling plans •• Health assessments •• Audits and inspections
•• Noise and atmospheric exposure monitoring •• Health surveillance and biological monitoring •• Notification of occupational disease, including hearing loss
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Geology, mineralogy Exploration, quarry, process plant Schematic /flow of processes Powerhouse, water treatment, village Numbers, rosters, organisation
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HEALTH AND HYGIENE
GUIDANCE AVAILABLE To assist industry in the development and submission of a HHMP, the Department has developed the following suite of guidance: •• Preparation of a health and hygiene management plan – guide •• Uploading the sampling plan from an Excel template – video •• Submitting a new Health and Hygiene Management Plan (HHMP) – video •• FAQs on the reporting of health and hygiene sampling through the Safety Regulation System
WHAT IS HEALTH AND HYGIENE MANAGEMENT? Health and hygiene management refers to the identification, assessment and control of physical, psychosocial, biological and chemical agents in the workplace that may adversely affect workers’ health. The figure below shows some common health and hygiene hazards that exist on mines.
Vibration – whole body and hand-arm
Inadequate ventilation
Temperature extremes – heat, cold stress
Hazardous substances – chemicals used or released from processes
Gases – asphyxiant, toxic and malodourous gases
The worker’s health* and wellbeing
Hazardous manual tasks
Psychological hazards – fatigue, stress, harrassment
Particulates and fibres – dusts, fumes and asbestos
* Health refers to physical and mental factors Heavy metals – arsenic, lead, mercury
Radiation – ultraviolet, alpha, beta, gamma and x-rays Contaminated drinking water
Human factors – performance-shaping factors
Noise
Further assistance is available to users from SRS Online Help.
Biological agents – bacteria, viruses, fungi and mould
Common health and hygiene hazards on mine sites that may affect workers' health
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ELECTRICAL SAFETY
BEWARE ARC FLASH! Arc flash and electric shock incidents are still occurring on energised electrical equipment in WA workplaces. ...
WHAT IS AN ARC FLASH? An arc flash is an instantaneous and uncontrolled release of significant energy when a short circuit fault occurs. The arc flash plasma temperature can be as high as 20,000°C.
ARC FLASH HAZARDS Arc flash hazards include: •• e lectric shock from contact with an electric circuit •• burns from exposure to heat energy •• b last trauma from exposure to blast pressure waves •• respiratory trauma from exposure to toxic gases.
UNDERSTANDING ELECTRICAL ARC FLASH HAZARDS Employers have a duty to not expose employees to hazards in the workplace. To understand the electrical arc flash hazard, an arc flash study should be conducted by a competent electrical engineer. This will provide the data necessary to determine effective controls that reduce the risk of harm to workers from the arc flash hazard.
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The actions taken from the arc flash study to inform and protect employees are often in the form of labelling on the electrical switchgear. Labelling in itself does nothing unless its intent is understood by users of the equipment. Several international standards exist relating to assessing arc flash hazards. Although IEEE 1584 Guide to performing arc flash calculations (from the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, USA) and NFPA 70E Standard for electrical safety in the workplace (from the National Fire Protection Association, USA) are not mandated standards in Australia, they provide guidance on hazard quantification and electrical work practices relating to arc flash.
ARC FLASH RISK MANAGEMENT The risk of an arc flash incident should be minimised by applying the hierarchy of controls. Eliminating the hazard (level 1) through deenergisation of equipment is the preferred method. This method is reflected in the Department's new code of practice for working on or near energised electrical installations. The second option, which is becoming more prevalent, is remote switching of electrical switchgear. This removes the switching operator from the line of fire when either de-energising or energising switchgear (isolating or segregating the hazard from people).
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ELECTRICAL SAFETY
If elimination or isolation of the hazard is not possible, engineering controls may be introduced. Typical engineering controls include well-designed electrical protection systems, supported by a preventative maintenance program, to ensure circuit protection equipment operates correctly when required. The time and effort spent implementing the recommendations of a thorough arc flash assessment will generally have ongoing benefits for the business not only through the safety and health benefits for employees, but also by minimising damage and down time associated with a major electrical fault.
WHAT IS AVAILABLE FROM THE DEPARTMENT? The Department is taking positive steps to assist industry to prevent arc flash incidents.
Available now •• A rc flash awareness toolbox presentation •• Mines Safety Bulletins (MSBs) •• Significant Incident Reports (SIRs) dealing with arc flash incidents •• Monthly safety and health snapshot – May 2018 – Welding hazards •• Monthly safety and health snapshot – February 2018 – Electrical hazards
Coming soon
NEW CODE OF PRACTICE FOR PERSONS WORKING ON OR NEAR ENERGISED ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS In May 2018, the Department released a code of practice for persons working on or near energised electrical installations. This code of practice requires that all electrical installations to be de-energised before any nearby work commences, except for certain specific situations that are prescribed in regulation 55 of the Electrical (Licensing) Regulations 1991.
The Department is developing an arc flash checklist as a guide to preventative actions. The checklist will include design and setting of the electrical protection system, documentation, training, labelling, personal protective equipment and maintenance.
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INDUSTRY NEWS
STUDY INTO THE ROLE OF SAFETY AND HEALTH REPRESENTATIVES IN THE WA MINING INDUSTRY Recent research conducted through the School of Mining and Metallurgical Engineering at Curtin University looked at the effectiveness of safety and health representatives in the Western Australian mining industries. ...
The research undertaken by Shibani Chakrabourti looked at the barriers safety and health representatives experienced while performing their representative work, and identified factors that enabled them to perform their legal duties and responsibilities effectively. A call for participants was put out to industry and 41 responses were received. The respondents answered multiple questions and the answers were grouped by theme. The research identified that most of the barriers preventing safety and health representatives from working effectively were due to management factors. These factors include: •• d iscrimination, harassment and bullying (56%); with just under one quarter (22%) specifically related to discrimination on the grounds of gender experienced by female representatives •• poor safety culture, including lack of cooperation, consultation and communication from management; and some managers blocking changes to improve workplace safety (56%) •• not providing sufficient resources, including time, and the perception that safety and health work was a waste of production time (54%) •• lack of trust between the supervisor or line manager and the representative (10%) The research stresses that the ability of safety and health representatives to perform their duties in the Western Australian mining industries is very
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much affected by the amount of support provided to them by management. With management support, the safety and health representatives were able to improve workplace safety by conducting workplace inspections to identify hazards and risk assessments to implement risk control measures. The majority (80%) of representatives reported being allowed to conduct formal, or informal, workplace safety inspections. However, of those, comparatively few conducted inspections regularly (17%) and only one quarter (24%) reported being involved in incident investigations. The research also identified that strong support by the Chief Executive Officer provided a positive safety culture. When representatives were supported by all levels of management, they were able to take a leading role in promoting workplace safety and health to their co-workers, particularly through the use of toolbox meetings. They were also able to influence improvements in workplace safety by attending and chairing workplace safety committee meetings. The research report recommends that management should support their safety and health representatives in undertaking their role by: •• allocating sufficient work time for representatives to conduct safety and health related duties •• providing appropriate resources for workplace safety and employee health to be maintained at a high standard
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INDUSTRY NEWS
•• a llowing representatives to undertake regular workplace inspections and involving them in incident investigations •• implementing and enforcing workplace antidiscrimination policies •• supporting representatives in attending the five-day introductory safety and health representatives’ course; and obtaining further safety and health education, if the representative requests this, to gain the necessary knowledge to perform their role effectively •• listening to, and acting to resolve, safety and health concerns brought to them by their representatives •• regularly communicating to the representatives: –– information related to safety and health in their area of work –– the results of incident and accident investigations in the representative’s work area, including risk control measures implemented –– any evaluation of the effectiveness of the risk control measures implemented –– leading and lag indicator results for the representative’s area of work –– all information about workplace safety and health matters for their area of responsibility.
It is recommended that managers who have not previously worked as a representative undertake a one-day introductory course that explains the role of the safety and health representative and how managers can support them to be effective in their work. The course should include managers’ legal responsibilities in relation to safety and health at their workplace.
Shibani would like to thank all of the safety and health representatives who participated in this research. A full copy of the research report will be available online from the Curtin University library.
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SAFETY REGULATION GROUP Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety Street address: Level 2, 1 Adelaide Terrace, East Perth WA 6004 Postal address: 100 Plain Street, East Perth WA 6004 Telephone: +61 8 9358 8001 (Monday-Friday, 8.30 am to 4.30 pm) Email: Safety@dmirs.wa.gov.au NRS: 13 36 77 (the National Relay Service is an Australia-wide telephone access service available at no additional charge to people who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment)
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)
Mason Bird Building, Level 1, 303 Sevenoaks Street, Cannington WA 6107 Telephone: 1300 307 877 (general enquiries) 1300 424 091 (licensing) 1800 678 198 (24 hours serious incident and fatality reporting) Email: Safety@dmirs.wa.gov.au (general enquiries)
DANGEROUS GOODS SAFETY including explosives and fireworks
MINE PLANS
Telephone: 1800 SAFEMINE (1800 7233 6463) Telephone: +61 8 9358 8001 Email: rsdmineplans@dmirs.wa.gov.au Email: dgsb@dmirs.wa.gov.au (dangerous goods safety enquiries) SAFETY REGULATION SYSTEM ResourcesSafety@dmirs.wa.gov.au (SRS) (dangerous goods licensing enquiries)
CRITICAL RISKS including pipelines and operations, major hazard facilities and geothermal energy Telephone: +61 8 9358 8001
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
RSDJan19_983
@DMIRS_WA
