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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).
