Comment Maintenance is the key to safety

COO CHRISTINE CLANCY

MANAGING EDITOR PAUL HAYES

Tel: (03) 9690 8766

Email: paul.hayes@primecreative.com.a

JOURNALIST

ASHLEY PERRY

Tel: (03) 9690 8766

Email: ashley.perry@primecreative.com.au

A

MINE SITE WITH WELL-MAINTAINED EQUIPMENT CAN IMPROVE SAFETY OUTCOMES WHILE LIMITING UNEXPECTED DOWNTIME.

Trucks, drills, excavators, loaders, diggers, conveyor belts, hoists and pulleys, the list of machinery and equipment on a mining operation is just about endless.

Of course, it’s vital all of that gear is kept in tip-top shape, not only for the optimum operation of the mine itself but also for the safety of the people on and around it.

Proper maintenance of mining equipment increases efficiency and performance and, in turn, improves safety. Failing to undertake necessary maintenance can result in faulty equipment, potentially putting employees in danger.

That’s why this issue of Safe to Work examines some of the approaches to maintenance that are contributing to a safer mining industry.

One of the biggest keys to maintenance is planning. Unplanned or unscheduled maintenance is always going to occur – you can never eradicate machine failures entirely – but companies that place a premium on planning for maintenance can limit downtime and create greater efficiencies and productivity.

And, in that same vein, forward-thinking companies that make use of technologies that keep people out of the line of fire when conducting maintenance can maximise workers’ safety and wellbeing.

It’s essential to establish a plan that responds to the maintenance needs related to the different activities that make up mining processes.

Elsewhere in this issue, we look at the recent Victorian Mine Rescue Competition, where teams from different mines came together to sharpen their emergency response skills and share their extensive knowledge.

We also take a look at a new pilot program launched by Rio Tinto, BHP and Fortescue that’s aimed at helping to eliminate disrespectful behaviours in the resources industry. Working in the mining industry can sometimes be tough, so it’s reassuring to see the majors taking steps to create a better working environment. This month’s issue also examines industry regulators and provides a state-by-state breakdown of the different rules and regulations that govern the Australian resources sector and help to keep its workers safe.

Paul Hayes Managing Editor

JOURNALIST ALEXANDRA EASTWOOD Tel: (03) 9690 8766

Email: alexandra.eastwood@primecreative.com.au

CLIENT SUCCESS MANAGER

JANINE CLEMENTS Tel: (02) 9439 7227

Email: janine.clements@primecreative.com.au

RESOURCES

Email: jonathan.duckett@primecreative.com.au

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