Safe To Work July/August 2022

THE FIRST PRIORITY FOR AUSTRALIA’S MINING INDUSTRY

ISSUE 20 - JUL-AUG 2022

Safety technology Stretching across every aspect of a mine site

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Remote operation

Infection control

On-site communications

Bulk Handling Expo

Comment Safety technology and modern mining WHETHER AT HOME OR AT WORK, TECHNOLOGY AFFECTS ALMOST EVERY ASPECT OF OUR LIVES – AND A MINE SITE IS CERTAINLY NO DIFFERENT.

PAUL HAYES

I

nnovating and improving new technologies is vital for improving safety outcomes in the resources industry, with each advancement driving protection for workers and limited downtime for operations.

Under and above ground, people and machinery, clothing and footwear, chemicals and other compounds.

Technology’s ability to bolster the safety of people throughout the mining industry knows almost no bounds.

In this issue we take a magnifying glass to a number of new and emerging technologies that are helping to keep people out of harm’s way while working in potentially dangerous or hazardous environments.

One could argue that safety technology on a mine site starts with communication. Reliable and effective communication – whether between operators in different parts of a site or even during an emergency – could be the difference between people understanding what they should and should not do in order to ensure their safety.

CLIENT SUCCESS MANAGER JANINE CLEMENTS Tel: (02) 9439 7227 Email: janine.clements@primecreative.com.au COO CHRISTINE CLANCY MANAGING EDITOR PAUL HAYES Tel: (03) 9690 8766 Email: paul.hayes@primecreative.com.a JOURNALIST LEWIS CROSS Tel: (03) 9690 8766 Email: lewis.cross@primecreative.com.au

SALES MANAGER JONATHAN DUCKETT Mob: 0498 091 027 Email: jonathan.duckett@primecreative.com.au DESIGN PRODUCTION MANAGER Michelle Weston ART DIRECTOR Blake Storey

Those people must also be confident in the efficacy of what they wear on a mine site, and chief among these potential issues is at ground level. Quality boots that keep feet protected from heavy equipment, chemicals, water and other dangers are worth their weight on gold, and new technologies have resulted in boots that do all of these things, and more.

Of course, safety technology is first and foremost in mining equipment. Whether it’s an autonomous machine that allows remote operation or advanced controls that means a hoist can easily stop or start, new tech is making worksites less dangerous every day.

It’s also important to note that threats in the resources sector are not limited to the usual suspects such has hazardous machinery and rock falls, and safety technology extends far beyond equipment and clothing.

Keeping people healthy is vital on a productive mine site.

This means advanced products that help to disinfect workplaces and eliminate viral threats can

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SAFETOWORK.COM.AU 3 JUL-AUG 2022

be just as important as the latest digital gear.

In that same vein, an effective infection-control plan helps to ensure safety and ongoing production in modern mining.

While we’re here, I’d also like to thank our previous editor Michael Philipps for all of his efforts on Safe to Work. Michael did fantastic job growing the publication to what it is today.

Paul Hayes Managing Editor

FRONT COVER Image: Komatsu

All rights reserved. No part of the publication may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means without the written permission of the ­publisher.

In this issue 18

Features 18 Komatsu takes handson approach to hands-off safety measures

32 The right step for

40 Education program drives

safety footwear

golden pipeline

A durable boot is the foundation of

The Gold Industry Group is heading

protective equipment, and that is

into schools to tap into a new

underground mining is being conducted,

exactly what Oliver footwear-branded

reserve of talent and educate the

with new Komatsu technology working to

safety products provide.

industry’s future workforce.

Remote operations are changing the way

ensure the safety of operators.

22 Lessons learned from devastating accidents

36 Extending radio coverage for mining teams

44 Bulk Handling Expo back on the calendar

Sepura is launching a VHF TETRA

Showcasing the best of the industry, the

radio solution in Australia, providing

2022 Australian Bulk Handling Expo is

deep diving into accidents at mining

mission-critical communication

back after a long hiatus and will arrive in

operations, and his new book

functions to the mining industry.

Melbourne in August.

Andrew Hopkins is no stranger to

further cements that reputation.

24 Four-drink limit designed to aid FIFO health and safety

38 Prevention measures lead mine health standards Operating with over 20 years’

48 Digitally tracking workers when emergency strikes Traditional evacuation management

experience in healthcare, Bridges

is underpinned by manual practices,

accommodation facilities in WA is

Infection Control Consultancy

which can waste unnecessary time and

designed to increase safety and could have

is dedicated to ensuring

money. Enter Blackline Safety’s new

effects across the industry.

workplace safety.

wireless tracking solution.

A new alcohol guide for on-site

36

32

REGULARS

3 COMMENT

6 NEWS

16 PRODUCTS

SAFETOWORK.COM.AU 4 JUL-AUG 2022

54 EVENTS

Sustainabilty & ESG

Health & Safety Issues

Diversity & Inclusion

Workforce Management

Cybersecurity

Financial Viability

Liability

an Avetta Company

News Vaccination mandates dropped for WA miners Mandatory vaccination rules in Western Australia have been eased for fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) workers and those working in the mining industry.

From June 10, COVID-19 vaccination mandates were dropped for all workplaces, excluding healthcare, residential aged care and disability settings.

WA’s third-dose vaccination rate (81.8 per cent among people aged 16 and older as of June 1) was a contributor to the change, as was falling case numbers.

The state recorded 4849 new COVID-19 cases on June 6, a drop from the 6649 new cases recorded a week earlier and 12,399 recorded on May 15.

Premier Mark McGowan said that despite the mandate being dropped, workplaces can still impose a requirement if they wish.

WA’s high vaccination rates were a contributor to the decision.

“If they wish to still do it (maintain a vaccination mandate) under workplace health and safety laws, they can do an analysis and still do it, and many private sector workforces will do it,” he said.

“With these changes, it means the remaining baseline public health

measures are limited to maskwearing, proof of vaccination and visitor limits in certain settings.”

McGowan also announced that travel restrictions to remote Aboriginal communities were removed from June 15, while unvaccinated Australians who are returning from overseas will no longer need to quarantine for seven days upon arrival in WA. In October 2021, the WA Government announced a mandate for FIFO workers and those across the state’s resources industry, whereby first doses were required by December 1 2021 and full vaccination

by January 1 2022.

The new directions were initiated to address the risks associated with movement of resources industry workers to and from regional and remote WA locations.

Australia’s first wind fences mitigate dust for BHP BHP is partnering with CIMIC Group’s CPB Contractors to build Australia’s first wind fences, which will mitigate dust emissions at the miner’s Port Hedland Operations.

Designed for the Pilbara’s unique weather conditions and rated specifically to withstand cyclones, the three fences will include mesh panels to reduce wind speeds, shielding BHP’s stockpiles and reducing the potential for dust lift-off.

Thirty metres high and spanning a length of 2km, the fences will abate dust emissions in current operations and ensure no net increases in dust emissions should operations expand over time.

Up to 150 employees are expected to be involved in the construction

of the project, with up to 10 per cent Indigenous employment in those numbers.

BHP Port general manager Cindy Dunham said the wind fences would be constructed using global best practice dust management and air quality control technology.

“The investment forms part of our Pilbara Air Quality Program and demonstrates our commitment to the region and contribution to the revitalisation of the West End,” she said.

“The wind fence project is a key part of our commitment towards continued improvement of our existing dust control measures as we look to continue growing production over time.”

CPB Contractors general manager WA, SA & NT, Andrew Giammo, said

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the innovative environmental project would provide lasting benefits for the community of Port Hedland.

“Construction of the wind fences will involve the fabrication of 3000 tonnes of structural steel – this work will be undertaken here in WA and will be a major boost to local industry,” he said.

“Throughout the life of the project, we’ll also be looking to maximise opportunities for Indigenous businesses and employment.”

BHP is spending up to $300 million over the next four years as part of its Pilbara Air Quality Program, which also includes continued implementation and optimisation of operational dust control projects across its Pilbara supply chain, to improve existing controls at mines and ports.

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News NSW regulator strives to improve vehicle safety The New South Wales resources regulator has announced a targeted intervention campaign to improve heavy vehicle safety at the state’s surface and underground mining operations.

The regulator made note of a number of incidents involving heavy vehicles and machinery in 2021, with some cases resulting in serious injuries and fatalities.

During the 2017–21 period, two fatalities, 21 injuries and another 840 incidents were reported involving vehicle interactions across mining operations in NSW. There have been 68 reportable incidents so far in 2022.

This year’s targeted intervention campaign, which runs from May 23 to June 3, is set to build on a previous April 2021 campaign, with the aim to foster ongoing support and engagement within the industry to effect change.

In April last year, a campaign

engaging more than 13,000 mine workers saw 41 inspectors deliver presentations to more than 300 work crews at 37 mines across the state.

A key focus of the campaign is the pivotal role leadership plays in the implementation and enforcement of correct heavy vehicle safety procedures and maintenance standards.

Positive communication between leadership teams and workers remains an important factor in reducing the number of reportable incidents, with road safety rules, driving conditions and basic hazard awareness highlighted as contributing factors.

The campaign acts as a reminder to workers across the industry to uphold safe working conditions for themselves and the safety of others.

Elsewhere, a mining industry initiative is striving to improve the safety of mining equipment by ensuring

original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and operators are on the same page.

The Earth Moving Equipment Safety Roundtable (EMESRT) works with OEMs to develop effective designs that are safe for workers and maintenance staff, closing the gap between the performance expectations of earth moving equipment users and designers.

Made up of members of the mining industry and key member organisations, Alcoa, Anglo American, BHP, Glencore, Rio Tinto and Teck, EMESRT has developed a strategic plan for reducing injuries and fatalities stemming from equipment.

This focuses on four key focus areas: vehicle interaction control improvement, tyres and rims management, mobile equipment fires management, and human factors design diversity.

Highlighting the danger of silica dust The danger of silica dust exposure and suggested control measures to limit exposure of workers to the mineral have been forwarded to the NSW Government.

A parliamentary review has passed on 12 recommendations following a review of the existing dust diseases scheme.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee 2021 Review of the Dust Diseases Scheme details the changes recommended to ensure the safety of mine workers and provide greater safety legislation regarding the exposure to silica dust.

The review recommends the NSW Government actively work toward a health-based workplace exposure standard for respirable crystalline silica of 0.02mg per cubic metre, including advocating for this change at a national level and supporting research that would enable this standard to be effectively measured.

Silicosis is a permanent lung disease that causes shortness of breath, chest pain and fatigue that progressively worsens as time goes on.

The disease develops through the inhalation of tiny particles

of silica that are in the air over time. This is typically a few years at a low exposure to silica, but can be as little as a few weeks in areas of high exposure.

The most common mine activities where exposure may be elevated include the drilling of rock and crushing and loading of material.

The Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) estimates that around 600,000 Australian workers are currently exposed to silica dust from the mining, quarrying, tunnelling, cement and construction industries.

SAFETOWORK.COM.AU 8 JUL-AUG 2022

UGSR_Au

Your technology partner Remotely managed autonomous longwall systems, real-time

operational data and visualisations drive a productive, safe and

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© 2022 Komatsu Ltd. or one of its subsidiaries. All rights reserved.

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6/15/2022 12:15:59 PM

News How BHP has withstood COVID-19 BHP chief executive officer Mike Henry has provided insight into the immediate effects of COVID-19 on the company’s operations, and his predictions for sustained hybrid working conditions.

The company is one of many global miners to feel the brunt of enforced absenteeism since the beginning of the pandemic, with its Escondida copper mine in Chile facing reduced output and high rates of turnover.

The company estimates that its operations are being affected by up to 15–20 per cent absenteeism.

While lockdown measures have put the company’s Australian operations under the pump – most notably in Western Australia – safe COVID-19 practices have led to more stringent vaccination rates

and work-from-home initiatives.

“COVID, to some extent, forced an acceleration in some of the things that we already had underway around restructuring work, making it more flexible, opening up opportunities to a wider range of people,” Henry said at the Bank of America Securities 2022 Metals, Mining and Steel Conference.

“That’s going to be a permanent and positive feature of our landscape.”

Henry said BHP’s efforts to navigate COVID-19 have been exceptional, with the company’s recent third-quarter results showing it is on track to achieve fullyear guidance in iron ore in both production and cost.

BHP has also excelled in ensuring safety on the ground, with no on-

site fatalities occurring in nearly three-and-a-half years.

“I still remember it was probably only about six or seven years ago when we were celebrating one year fatality-free,” Henry said.

“We had a few successive years of one year fatality-free and to now have three-and-a-half years without anybody losing a life … that’s something that is seriously motivating for all of us.

“What’s driven it has been serious day in, day out management focus. Because as everybody … knows, safety, that’s a daily thing.

So serious ongoing focus and commitment from management.

“And investment – investment in people, culture, asset integrity, all brought together under the BHP Operating System.”

E s

BHP said COVID accelerated efforts to restructure work.

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K

Expect more sustainability

Solving the challenge of scrap tyres in a way that’s practical and sustainable could be around the corner for Australia. After successfully opening a thermal conversion OTR tyre recycling facility in Chile that converts scrap tyres into base elements for reuse, Kal Tire is ready to bring this scalable solution to other regions.

Kaltiremining.com

News

The reforms seek to prioritise the safety of workers.

What WA’s OH&S reform means for the mining sector Western Australia’s occupational health and safety (OH&S) reform has been finalised and includes new laws and legislation encompassing the WA mining industry.

The reform came into effect on March 31 and aligns WA with the rest of Australia, allowing for greater consistency with national laws.

One of the key changes is to the classification of employers and employees, with the definition expanding to a ‘person conducting a business or undertaking’ (PCBU) and ‘workers’, to encompass the variety of different types of contracts and employment found in the industry.

PCBUs will now have a greater duty to ensure the health and safety of workers and others who may be affected in the process of carrying out work under their care.

Additionally, officers and managers of PCBUs will have a non-delegable duty to ensure that safety obligations are met,

which now include the psychological health and safety of workers.

The reform encompassed changes to mines’ safety plant and design legislation, with the following key changes made: •T he term “classified plant” changed to “registered plant” •A ll general and specific exemptions relating to classified plant on mines under the MSIR (Mines Safety and Inspection Regulations 1995) will expire as outlined in the transitional provisions •C lassified plant that was registered by the state mining engineer under the MSIR prior to March 31 2022 is deemed to be both design and item registered under the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act and no additional action is required •T here is a change to the certain types of equipment that require registration and all plant design and item registrations are conducted

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under the WHS General Regulations as referenced in the WHS Mines Regulations •T here is a new application process for mining operations to submit their design and plant registration applications •T here is no longer a requirement to keep a classified plant record book (or other hardcopies of plant records) at the mine. This is replaced with the requirement to keep records of all plant at the mine •T here is no longer provision to appoint a competent person under section 44 of the Mines Safety and Inspection Act 1994 (MSIA) for the inspection of classified plant at a mine •S tatutory inspection intervals are not defined in the WHS Mines Regulations The reforms seek to prioritise safety of workers, providing agency and allowing privilege against self-incrimination.

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News South32 is revamping its safety performance South32 has put extra frameworks in place as the company looks to improve its safety outcomes going forward.

As part of its ‘sustainability approach’, the Perth-based miner is focusing on five interconnected pillars to support the delivery of its strategy, including worker safety and inclusion and diversity.

In 2021, South32 commenced a critical program of work to improve the safety performance across its operations, with a view toward zero fatalities and injuries.

“We have a significant amount of work underway to improve our safety performance,” South32 chief executive officer Graham Kerr said at the 2022 Bank of America Global Metals, Mining and Steel Conference.

“The most important commitment

we make is that everyone at South32 goes home safe and well at the end of their shift.

“We are equally committed to creating a work environment where everyone feels safe psychologically, no matter their background or the role they play in our business.

“Following a review of our inclusion and diversity performance and practices, we developed an action plan to continue to improve the way everyone experiences our culture.”

South32 has rolled out its Leadership Fundamentals Program to deliver further improvements in inclusion and diversity within the organisation.

The focus on worker safety and inclusion joins neatly with the company’s ongoing sustainability approach, which revolves around addressing South32’s

climate and environmental impacts.

The company has a target to reduce its operational carbon emissions by 50 per cent by 2035, ahead of its goal of achieving net-zero by 2050.

South32 produces commodities including aluminium, bauxite, copper and metallurgical coal across Australia, southern Africa and South America, and has an emerging pipeline of new projects in North America.

By optimising, unlocking and identifying growth outcomes for the company, South32 reported record earnings and shareholder returns in the first half of the 2022 financial year.

The company expects volume growth of more than 20 per cent from its 2021 baseline in the next financial year.

New dump trucks heighten safety at Callide More than 60 per cent of the fleet is electric drive dump trucks.

Six new Komatsu 930E-5 electric dive dump trucks have joined Batchfire Resources’ pre-strip mining fleet, delivering increased sustainability, safety and productivity benefits at its Callide Mine operations in central Queensland.

More than 60 per cent of Batchfire’s Callide fleet is now made up of electric drive dump trucks, which significantly reduces the CO2 emissions generated during pre-strip mining activities.

Batchfire chief executive officer

Allan Fidock said the company was becoming increasingly proactive about sustainability.

“Batchfire is an agile business which places sustainability at the heart of our operations,” he said.

“We are constantly seeking new opportunities to reduce our overall emissions and this is reflected in our procurement policy.

“The Komatsu 930E-5 provides us with clear advantages in emission control, productivity and safety so investing in this market-leading model is the right solution for our business.”

The Komatsu 930E-5s are about eight per cent more carbon efficient than the diesel models they are replacing, while they also maintain high levels of operator comfort.

Being a leading Queensland

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producer of low impurity, low fugitive emission energy coal, obtaining the diesel-electric drive machines is one part of Batchfire’s broader sustainability strategy.

“Our dedicated ESG (environmental, social and governance) and development team is working with the board to strengthen ESG practices and identify opportunities to further reduce our emissions,” Fidock said.

“We have also reduced fuel consumption across the dieselmechanical drive and diesel-electric drive pre-strip and coal mining fleets by investing in MaxMine and other smart solutions.

“This data-driven approach to operations has improved our operations efficiency.”

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Products PRM’S SENTINEL VISION AI SYSTEM IMPROVES PEDESTRIAN SAFETY The Sentinel Vision AI system is Premier Rock Machinery’s vision-based pedestrian/plant separation system. The system uses an AI neural network to identify pedestrians, helping to avoid accidents, injuries and fatalities.

The camera-based system features screens and alarms to notify the operator of pedestrians. Zones and distances around the machinery are configurable so the system can be used in different-sized machines.

By incorporating early pedestrian detections and warning, safety is increased and there is the opportunity to educate workers on pedestrian behaviour around machinery.

The AI system is especially helpful for excavators, as it is able to detect personnel around all sides of the machine. It is also suitable for loaders, waste recycling, and garbage trucks with cabin alarms only for earlymorning noise, the ability to detect people over bins, and the ability to mitigate a loud, dusty, and complex environment.

• sentinelsafety.com.au

PRIORITISING SAFETY AND EFFICIENCY WITH EDM’S MK-2 ROD-FEEDER The new MK-2 is the most advanced Exploration Drill Masters (EDM) Rod Feeder delivered to date. It is a crucial piece of machinery for exploration drilling contractors, giving them the opportunity to upgrade their existing fleet to remove crews from traditional drilling hazards and provide a safer service to their clients.

A plug-and-play solution, the MK-2 eliminates repetitive hands-on tasks with improved cycle times. Operations are performed at the control panel and features easy loading onto flatbed trucks and trailers.

There are two configurations for the MK-2 – freestanding and selfpropelled. These align with EDM’s belief in making hands-off steel technology accessible to the existing worldwide fleet of exploration drill rigs so safety and accessibility are achievable by all.

The MK-2’s multiple cameras allow a safe and seamless remote operation and feature safety lockouts with unique and integrated key codes.

• explorationdrillmasters.com

SEEING SAFELY WITH BOLLÉ Bollé is the eye safety expert when it comes to glasses. With a mission to protect people’s vision in the harshest environments, those in the mining sector can rely on Bollé to produce glasses that work with them in whatever the industry throws at them.

Bollé’s Silex+ is equipped with a platinum coating for long-lasting protection against fog and scratches, and available in a copper version to fight against blue light, the Silex+ glasses are able to protect the wearer while in any environment.

The Silex+ features an ultra wrap-around frame for enhanced protection and FLEX 160° temples to adapt to all heads, reducing pressure points.

The clear lenses provide 90 per cent light transmission, making them ideal to use indoors, while the smoke lenses are perfect for outdoor use. Those working both indoors and out can rely on the copper lenses to provide the ultimate protection for every environment.

Bollé’s Silex+ glasses are adaptable, comfortable and, most importantly, an essential safety feature for any mine job.

• bolle-safety.com/au/industrial/glasses/safety-glasses

SAFETOWORK.COM.AU 16 JUL-AUG 2022

SAFETY-FIRST APPROACH DRIVES REMOTE DOZER SOLUTION For WesTRac, Rio Tinto and Caterpillar, this new tele-remote dozing system (TDS) at Rio Tinto’s iron ore operations in Western Australia is wholly focused on operator safety.

The solution utilises the Cat MineStar Command for Dozing technology and a dedicated operator control centre, allowing for non-line-of site-operation of dozers working in high-risk areas.

There is also an over-the-shoulder console that allows operators to work within visual range, typically used for temporary or one-off movements of machines.

The remote operator control centre is similar to a simulator, with all of the in-cab controls replicated. Rio Tinto’s also incorporates a vision kit, making use of four cameras on board each dozer and relaying machine information and visuals in realtime via a Wi-Fi network.

• westrac.com.au

SHOWA GLOVES HANDLE SAFETY WITH EXPERTISE SHOWA has been designing and manufacturing protective gloves for almost 70 years and this dedication has meant those in the mining sector can rely on their products.

Heat-resistant personal protective equipment (PPE) is an essential part of mining safety, and the SHOWA 8814 gloves build on this by withstanding temperatures up to 260°C. Even after multiple washes, the 8814 retains its heat-protectant qualities. The 8814 is not only heat-resistant but easy to remove in an emergency with easy donning and doffing.

The 8814 also has a textured surface that provides superior tactile dexterity. The gloves can be worn in almost any environment, including those which are damp or greasy as they are impermeable. The rough grip and fully coated neoprene means that the 8814 are great to use in automotive repairs and maintenance, mechanics and engineering, metal stamping, and casting.

• showagroup.com/au-en/shop/8814

IMPROVING AIR QUALITY AND WORKER HEALTH WITH MIDECO The mining industry can be a dusty one and those who work in it know this dust does not stop at the worksite. Airborne dust can easily enter offices, booths, control rooms, and other site-based structures.

The Bat Vent is mideco’s filtrations and pressurisation system that works to keep workers safe from dust. It works by purifying and filtering the air before it enters the enclosed spaces.

The Bat Vent features two filters that the air must pass through before going into the room in which the vent is installed. The prefilter protects the HEPA filter from becoming blocked by the dust and the HEPA filter strips the dust particles from the airstream. The room is monitored for its pressure and the air that flows in is pushed in at whatever volume the room needs. The fan will slow down or speed up automatically depending on the current air pressure of the room.

The Bat Vent takes the thinking out of the air quality and pressure checks and ensures workers leave on-site dust at the door, thereby reducing the harmful risks it causes.

• midecohse.com

SAFETOWORK.COM.AU 17 JUL-AUG 2022

Safety technology

Komatsu takes handson approach to hands-off safety measures REMOTE OPERATIONS ARE CHANGING THE WAY UNDERGROUND MINING IS BEING CONDUCTED, WITH NEW KOMATSU TECHNOLOGY WORKING TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF OPERATORS.

A

slew of dangers can arise when working at a mine site and, while it might sound overly simple, keeping workers safe by removing them from those dangers has long been a primary focus of the sector.

To this end, remote-operation technology has been a game-changer for the industry with its ability to take operators away from the active mining zone entirely, allowing them to run their machinery from a different location.

Komatsu’s remote-operation technology is at the forefront of

this change, keeping people out of harm’s way without compromising on information or the operators’ ability to accurately control their machines.

When it comes to longwall mining solutions, being able to integrate and operate all of the moving parts from one console in a single location is a major step forward in guaranteeing operators’ safety.

According to Komatsu’s business manager of control and automation in the Australian region Jason Gough, the evolution of technology that has allowed operators to work in such a remote way is

Komatsu remote-operation technology works to keep longwall mining operators safe.

SAFETOWORK.COM.AU 18 JUL-AUG 2022

an “enabler” for this higher level of safety.

“The industry as a whole has been a driver for the development of remoteoperation technology. Removing people from hazards is the simplest way to keep people safe,” Gough told Safe to Work.

“Previously, the base requirement for work to be done was that you had to have someone at the coalface doing the work, due to the technological capabilities of the time. That’s not true anymore.

“We have been able to engineer safe and efficient methods of operating our mining equipment remotely.”

Komatsu has developed its Joy longwall mining machines to be operated remotely, with roof supports, shearers and armoured face conveyors all connected and working to communicate not just with the operator but also with the nearby workers underground.

Removing workers from the coalface protects them not just from accidents but also from other inclement dangers that exist in the environment. Hazardous terrain, dust or other airborne particulates, and machinery failures are all common dangers faced in these situations.

While some in the industry may raise the concern that remote operations will take away some of the operators that currently exist in the resources sector, Komatsu control and automation product manager Shane Cooling is very confident that is not the case.

Remote operation has been a game-changer for the industry.

“People are not losing their jobs to remote operations, as those same people are still operating those machines, just from a safe location,” Cooling told Safe to Work.

Komatsu’s remote-operation technology has the ability to be monitored off-site and operated safely on-site from an underground or secure surface location.

The flexibility of deciding where and how the operation centre is set up is part of Komatsu’s commitment to delivering effective solutions specific to its customers’ needs.

Working directly with mining companies themselves, Gough has extensive knowledge on what solutions are needed and how to cater products to particular operations.

“We’re not developing and employing this technology in isolation,” he said. “We work very closely with our customer base to make sure our products are purposefit for their operations and workload.

“There is always the potential for human–machine interaction with the

remote-operated longwall from people who are still on and around the operating face, which was a concern that has and will always be raised when it comes to remote operations.

“So we developed our proximitydetection system to solve that issue.

Anyone entering defined exclusion Komatsu developed its proximitydetection systems for “people who are still on and around the operating face”.

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zones of the automated longwall system with one of the proximity tags will warn then halt the operations until they have entered a safe zone.”

This communication system between the longwall and the smart device worn by employees can be adjusted to widen or reduce the range of how close on-site

Safety technology

Streamlined communications within a mining operation are a major benefit of safety technology.

“Previously, the base requirement for work to be done was that you had to have someone at the coalface doing the work, due to the technological capabilities of the time. That’s not true anymore.” operators can get to the machinery, with a minimum range of 2m.

The large number of roof supports that exist on a single longwall ensure there is maximum coverage for communication along the coalface, as each support communicates with the proximity tags.

Komatsu customers are already utilising this technology to ensure the safety and welfare of their mining crews.

And other visual and audio-based safety guides are built into the longwall equipment, with more in the works.

“We have the standard signs and warnings as part of customers using these machines, but there are also warning

sirens and flashing lights to ensure that personnel are kept aware and safe whilst near these remote-operated machines,” Gough said.

“We are developing smart lights that are triggered based on each operator’s position and the operational zone in which they are assigned to work.”

The benefits of remote operations extend beyond the removal of workers from hazardous environments, streamlining communication and allowing access of information from a centralised hub.

Working as an overseer of the integration of products as a part of the

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remote operations and their application in operational sites, Cooling has firsthand experience of the ways in which remote operations have changed things for the better.

“There are so many operational advantages when it comes to mining consistency,” he said.

“You have one or potentially two people in the centralised hub analysing data to make decisions, receiving all types of information: readings from the sensors, onboard cameras for direct visual feeds and communication from the team.

“There’s always that concern of operating remotely in areas where there are still people physically at the coalface, but that’s why we have developed our extensive communication measures and proximity-detection systems, to keep people as safe as possible.”

Komatsu’s focus on safety and consistency of operations comes from its commitment to deliver high-quality and custom-fit solutions that are designed to be the most effective tools mining companies have in their toolbox.

“Engineered, tested and proven is a driving focus of what we are committed to supplying our customers,” Gough said.

“We have developed our technology to be innovative and reliable, so that we can customise specific solutions for our customers.”

Mine safety

Lessons learned from devastating accidents ANDREW HOPKINS IS NO STRANGER TO DEEP DIVING INTO ACCIDENTS AT MINING OPERATIONS, AND HIS NEW BOOK FURTHER CEMENTS THAT REPUTATION.

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he Grosvenor mine incident in May 2020 was a devastating blow to five men, their families and the other workers at the mine.

An explosion along a coal face in the mine, triggered by spontaneous combustion of high levels of methane, caused extensive burns to the five workers.

Two years later, Australian National University’s Emeritus Professor Andrew Hopkins has released a book, Sacrificing Safety: Lessons for Chief Executives, detailing the incident and examining the human and organisational causes that led to the event.

Examining the accident at an organisational level, Hopkins identified warning signs and failures in the structure and planning of the operation that contributed to the disaster.

“There were fundamental warning signs that were not heeded. The safety systems which have been put in place are only effective if they are followed,” Hopkins told Safe to Work.

“This was an avoidable incident, because there were warnings which were not taken seriously and not acted upon effectively.

“The cause of the accident was a high level of methane gas that was ignited by the spontaneous combustion occurring in loose coal exposed to the atmosphere.

Methane is often present in a coal mine, as is loose coal.

“But a build-up of methane can be detected through measuring instruments,

Hopkins believes engineers and technical experts should have authority to make safety decisions in a mining operation.

and for this to get to a level that caused such a catastrophic event shows a failing in the management of this operation.”

Hopkins’ book is aimed at the managerial aspect of mining organisations, contextualising the Grosvenor mine accident as a series of faults that stemmed from a preference for ad-hoc fixes rather than long-term solutions.

He advocates that skilled engineers and technical experts who are aware of these types of threats should have the authority to make decisions, rather than merely offer advice. This is a key part of Hopkins’ message.

“The Grosvenor mine dealt with their spikes in their methane readings on a case-by-case basis but didn’t consider or invest time into why there was a large number of spikes, which by its very nature was an indicator of extremely high risk for those working in the mines,” he said.

“There should have been an effort made to drive down the number

of these spikes, in the interests of protecting workers.

“The management structure within mining companies needs to include people in senior management positions who are engineers and technical experts with an understanding of how the mine operates from personal experience.

“They shouldn’t be acting as advisors, because advice can be ignored. They need to have the authority to tell managers what to do in the interests of safety.”

Through research and interacting with different members of the mining industry, Hopkins found the cause of accidents of this type isn’t a failing of personal protective equipment (PPE) or hazard-detection systems and technology. Rather, he said, it is failure to deal with hazards at the source and a lack of attention to warnings signs in place to prevent workers from being exposed to these hazards.

“The law requires that principal hazard management plans be developed

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for known major hazards. They must specify in detail how these hazards will be managed and they must be regularly audited” Hopkins said.

“One of the big takeaways from this accident is that even though you may be doing the right thing, ticking all the obligation boxes and ensuring the minimums for safety at the mine site, having actual solutions and plans in place with the right staff to oversee them is imperative for mine safety.”

One of the important insights of the book concerns the role incentives can play in major accident causation.

“Grosvenor mine paid large bonuses to miners and manager alike to produce coal as quickly as possible, but there was no incentive to manage major accident risk effectively,” Hopkins said. “The bonus structure, in

other words, prioritised production ahead of major accident risk management.”

Hopkins’ book has a powerful message about the potential cost of pursuing profit over safety and the way organisational structures of mining operations can contribute to or detract from the effective management of major hazards.

“Reactive, rather than proactive, would be the way to describe the ways in which mining sites are dealing with these high-risk potential incidents,” Hopkins said.

“At times it may be necessary to slow or defer production in the interests of worker safety, even though this may be financially disadvantageous to the company.

“Companies cannot afford to disregard safety to reach their targets.”

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On-site safety

Four-drink limit designed to aid FIFO health and safety A NEW ALCOHOL GUIDE FOR ON-SITE ACCOMMODATION FACILITIES IN WA IS DESIGNED TO INCREASE SAFETY AND COULD HAVE EFFECTS ACROSS THE INDUSTRY.

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ining companies are undoubtedly aware of the health and safety risks posed by on-site alcohol consumption. That’s why many of them have implemented their own alcohol guidelines over the years.

However, a new guide from the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of WA (CME) and its member companies is designed to act as a single source of information for the entire industry and make it easier for miners to access more structured guidance.

Released in May, the ‘Safe and Respectful Behaviours – Industry Alcohol Guideline’ sets out a series of management and education requirements that outline how alcohol consumption is to be treated at accommodation facilities for fly-in, flyout (FIFO) workers.

“The industry-wide guidance can be used at any operation,” CME director of policy and advocacy Rob Carruthers said.

“We have a strong resolve to provide safe and inclusive workspaces for all of the sector’s 156,000-plus employees.”

Key within the guideline is a limit of four alcoholic drinks per day for people in on-site accommodation, as well as a ban on shots and double-servings.

The guideline aims to promote a culture of moderation and healthy dietary choices, and to educate about the harmful effects of alcohol consumption. It builds on drug and alcohol policies that are already

implemented across the mining industry’s workplaces, providing further consideration towards work-adjacent environments, such as company-owned accommodation facilities.

Carruthers said the guideline reflected best practice for the physical and psychological wellbeing of the more than 60,000 FIFO workers housed in WA, along with the broader mining sector.

“This guideline represents a significant milestone in our sector’s work to be as safe as possible at all times,” Carruthers said.

Over the past six months, CME’s Safe and Respectful Behaviours Working Group has heavily focused on the guideline, which includes:

The new guide sets out requirements that outline how alcohol consumption is to be treated at accommodation facilities.

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• implementation of a four-drink limit for accommodation residents over a 24-hour period, including takeaway limitations • prohibition of alcohol served in a form that encourages rapid consumption, such as shots or double servings • ensuring varied drink-strength options are available, along with non-alcoholic options and water that is freely available • ensuring the availability of food options wherever alcohol is served • promoting a culture of moderation and healthy choices • education on the alcohol policy and on the harmful effects of alcohol consumption.

Alcohol is the most widely used drug in Australia, according to the National Health and Medical Research Council, with about eight in 10 Australian adults drinking alcohol.

And research has found that alcohol consumption is common among the country’s mine workers.

A 2021 study, ‘Alcohol consumption in the Australian mining industry: The role of workplace, social, and individual factor’, published in the journal Workplace Health and Safety, aimed to examine alcohol consumption in a sample of Australian metalliferous mining workers.

Involving 1799 respondents, the research found that 94.8% of males and 92.1% of females reported using alcohol in the preceding 12 months. “(Australian) metalliferous mining employees engage in at-risk levels of alcohol consumption significantly higher than the national average despite workplace policies and practices that restrict alcohol use,” the researchers said.

“The odds of risky/harmful alcohol use were significantly higher in those who were male, younger, and reported higher psychological distress.”

The past 18 months has seen the ‘Parliamentary inquiry into sexual harassment against women in the FIFO mining industry’ continue, and this was a key factor in the new alcohol guideline implementation.

Along with the experience of CME member companies’ in relation to alcohol, the guideline also features input from 360Edge, an independent drug and alcohol consultancy in Australia and New Zealand.

360Edge’s approach consists of tailored solutions to the industries with which it works, clear plans, and measurable outcomes.

“With their expertise across a range of sectors, 360Edge were able to provide invaluable advice on what best

The guideline includes a four-drink limit for accommodation residents over a 24-hour period.

practice in alcohol consumption should look like,” Carruthers said.

The guideline will be rolled out across the sector in the coming months, with some CME member companies adopting the elements of the guideline straight away.

However, CME understands that not all of its 75-plus member companies will be in the position to implement the guideline immediately, and it has promised to work with those companies to get it up and running.

“Those that can practically implement it immediately will do so, but operations run in all shapes and sizes in WA, and some may not be in a logistical position to practically implement the guideline straight away,” Carruthers said.

“The guideline will take a period of time to achieve broadscale implementation; however, it demonstrates a clear industry-wide commitment to raise standards.”

Carruthers expressed that CME was more than happy for companies not under the organisation’s official banner to also make use of the guideline.

“The ultimate aim for the guideline is that it helps WA mining and resources achieve positive safety and inclusion objectives,” he said.

SAFETOWORK.COM.AU 25 JUL-AUG 2022

“We will happily share it and the research behind it with other advocacy groups in the sector.”

In addition to the stated requirements, the guideline recommends several initiatives to help support their implementation, including: • ensuring residents are aware of the alcohol policy that applies in accommodation villages • the implementation of education material that inform residents in accommodation facilities about the harmful effects of alcohol consumption • promoting the support available to reduce alcohol consumption • consideration to best practice initiatives, as included in the ‘CME Eliminating Sexual Harassment in the WA Resources Sector Implementation Framework’.

“The health and safety of our people, including their physical and psychological safety, is the number-one priority for the WA resources sector,” the CME states in the guideline.

“Industry has been clear in our commitment to continue to work hard to eliminate any instance of behaviours that threaten people’s personal and psychological safety at work.”

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Safety technology

Positioning for a safer site POSITION PARTNERS DISTRIBUTES AND SUPPORTS SURVEY TOOLS, FLEET MANAGEMENT AND HIGHPRECISION SOLUTIONS THAT ALLOW FOR INFORMATION TO BE GATHERED WHILE KEEPING OPERATORS FROM RISK.

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ine workers interacting with heavy machinery and otherwise being in proximity to hazards is a major concern of the mining industry.

Removing workers from those hazards through innovative technology is a focus for Position Partners, a company that sources and supports a wide range of solutions to help mine and operations managers collect, analyse and report critical information that can be used to increase safety and productivity.

According to operations superintendent Anthony Brand, Position Partners helps customers increase safety for their workers through the use of fleet management and high-precision machine guidance, survey drones to conduct aerial mapping, wireless monitoring systems, and other solutions.

“Aerial mapping through the use of survey-grade drones is one example of how technology can keep workers safe, as it eliminates the need for manual stockpile volume measurements by survey crews,” Brand told Safe to Work.

“Drones also enable accurate surveying around water bodies and poor geotechnical areas of the mine, enabling surveyors to remain at a safe distance and still receive the

same information as if they were to physically inspect the area.

“Vertical take-off and landing drones such as the Trinity F90+ by Quantum Systems have added safety benefits as they can take off and land in a small area with great accuracy, enabling them to be used safely and in more situations.”

The advancements in automation, as seen through Position Partners’ collaboration with SafeAI and MACA to retrofit autonomy to a mixed fleet of 100 trucks, keep people out of harm’s way and allow for the optimisation of labour.

“Automation removes the need for people to complete repetitive, manual tasks,” Brand said. “With machines driving at set speeds to a programmed route, the risks of collisions and unsafe behaviours are reduced.”

Utilising high-precision machine guidance, operators can work with live information on distance to grade within the machine, reducing the need for surveyors to drive to a machine’s location in a light vehicle and check levels.

“The use of high-precision machine guidance such as Carlson solutions removes the need for survey crews to set out peg lines or drill patterns in pit. Also, having the ability to alert heavy-equipment operators against SAFETOWORK.COM.AU 27 JUL-AUG 2022

Drones like the Trinity F90+ have added safety benefits by allowing for remote surveying.

infrastructure can reduce the risk of any damage and downtime to the mine,” Brand said.

“With remote access to machines through fleet management software and high-precision solutions, projects can be quickly updated if there are changes to infrastructure or geological hazards, and pushed out to operators in a few clicks.”

The solutions provided by Position Partners are accompanied by comprehensive support and service level agreements, which incorporate on-boarding training of any new technology into customers’ workflow.

Working with customers, Position Partners customises the training it provides. This involves a thorough change-management strategy to ensure people working with the technology are able to get the most out of it.

“From commissioning and calibration, through to remote technical assistance and boots-on-the-ground field support, our team puts heavy emphasis on supporting our mining customers,” Position Partners senior support technician Mick Simpson said.

“Our technical know-how and commitment to providing local support is one of our key points of difference.”

Safety technology

Delving deeper into sustained mine safety THE NORDIC MINESTEEL TECHNOLOGY GROUP HAS DECADES OF EXPERIENCE IN PROVIDING AND CUSTOMISING UNIQUE SOLUTIONS AND EQUIPMENT FOR THE INTERNATIONAL MINING INDUSTRY.

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uch like any workplace, every mining site has its own individual safety concerns that have to be taken into consideration when designing infrastructure.

Factors such as the geographical location of the mine, the flow and consistency of the waste created, onsite temperature, and shape and size of the ore being mined all contribute to safety decisions that have to be made when deciding what haulage solutions will be built.

Priding itself on developing technology in collaboration with its customers, the Nordic Minesteel Technology (NMT) group takes these types of factors into consideration on an individual basis, working with businesses to ensure the heavyduty machinery they provide is going to be effective and, most importantly, safe in the unique environment of a specific mine.

In 2011, the NMT Group was asked to develop a driverless electric haulage system for a large iron ore project. This system included Nordic chutes, mine cars, unloading stations, locomotives, control systems, and train control automation with overhead catenary integration.

The company’s development process began with engineering and project management, working with the end goals of the customer in mind.

Before production of the system began, a scale test facility was made

on-site in North Bay, Ontario, Canada, to guarantee all safety and functionality.

With successful testing, the system was implemented underground from between 2011 and 2014 with the commissioning of equipment by experienced on-site technicians.

Not all of the equipment can be tested at the head office of NMT. Some of the mobile equipment built to make maintenance safer on ultra-class haul trucks is prototyped and tested using a partner’s facility in Tucson, Arizona, US. When a haul truck is not available, NMT has built a hydraulic press to mimic the load it would experience to ensure quality on all equipment leaving the facility.

NMT spokesperson Heather Johnston described a continuous partnership between the company and the client throughout the working life of the product.

“As soon as a piece of our equipment leaves one of our manufacturing plants, that piece is ready to be used by the customer,” Johnston told Safe to Work. “However, our partnership doesn’t end there.

“We are committed to working with those we provide to throughout the entire operational life of the equipment.

“Whenever there are new technical developments, the technicians provide updates and thus ensure continual product improvement. Most software updates can be done using remote access through an internet connection from our head office in Canada. In

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addition, the supply of spare parts is guaranteed throughout the equipment’s entire operational life.

“It’s like a long-term relationship; any repairs are undertaken in the shortest possible time and we are always able to provide technical support and advice to customers on-site. When travel restrictions are in place, we have adapted to be able to provide virtual instructions for service.”

Offering completely integrated haulage systems to unloading stations, the NMT group understands that providing safety promises goes beyond engineering a welldesigned piece of equipment.

Incorporating advanced technology from the design process to manufacturing, new technology and trusted systems are combined to create reliable fail-safe mechanisms.

In addition, the NMT group offers hands-on and in-person training, which can also be conducted virtually if the customer prefers. Complementing the company’s commitment to its equipment, the NMT group’s service team can provide ongoing training and updates as staff rotate on-site.

NMT also has an on-site test tower that is available to conduct drop tests on shaft conveyance lines before they go to a site.

“Safety success is built into operator training, preventive maintenance, access to information, remote diagnostics and after-market service,” Johnston said.

“The NMT group has developed libraries of manuals and training videos in multiple languages to best serve our end users both virtually and in-person.

“We offer top-of-the-line safety options that are in collaboration with our customers’ needs and specifications, including team members of different cultures, education and experience to foster the best possible ideas around safety.

“At the end of the day, combining advanced technology with our collaborative efforts of our customers allows us to employ safety solutions which are intuitive and ‘back to basics’ in terms of employing them in use.”

Though looking forward in developing the safety features of its technology, the NMT group is aware of and avoids over-engineering solutions, refining fail safe safety systems that

The truck jack mechanical locking arms feature fail-safe counter-weight locks.

work in its positive-locking Nordic Chutes and separate Titan220e truck jack mechanical locking arms.

The fail-safe counter-weight locks in the Nordic Chutes and the mechanical locking arms on the Titan220e work under similar approaches in engineering.

They are secondary locking mechanisms that provide a gravityfed locking system that operators can see and hear in order to confirm the

equipment is locked and safe.

The NMT group offers a competitive product and extensive after-care system that ensures its equipment remains safe and performing as expected until the end of its lifespan.

“Competition around equipment safety features will only benefit the end users by re-defining their expectations and pushing all designers and manufacturers to do better,” Johnston said.

Safety technology

Hoisting for success A RELIABLE NAME WHEN IT COMES TO THE HOIST AND CHAIN INDUSTRY, KITO PWB IS CONTINUALLY IMPROVING ITS TECHNOLOGY TO OFFER EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS TO MOVING MATERIALS.

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eliable testing and customeroriented solutions are part of the reason KITO PWB is Australia’s leading brand in the hoist industry.

Delivering solutions that are broadly applicable to a wide variety of companies within the industry, the new KITO RY Wire Rope Hoist is a new addition to the preexisting line of hoists.

The RY Series hoists are designed for use in applications where any 5t or 10t wire rope hoist will be used, from manufacturing and engineering to warehousing and mining.

The hoists are loaded with features for high-demand applications, including inverter control as a standard.

The inverter is a dual-speed variable frequency drive (VFD). These control both hoist and trolley for optimum speed adjustability, as well as lifting and lowering accuracy.

A low-load high-speed function allows for hoist operation at 1.5 times the standard high-speed with a load less than 25 per cent of rated capacity to increase productivity. A smooth start–stop and transition from slow to fast protects the load and supporting structure, reducing load swing and bounce, with the ability to adjust the lifting or travelling speeds to suit the users’ application.

The VFD incorporates an easily accessible condition-monitoring system via an hour meter and operation counter. This means users can plan their preventive maintenance based around the exact hours of operation and the specific operations the hoist has done.

Recognising the often-remote nature of sites, this situation is ideal

for companies that cannot afford lengthy unorganised downtime that may result in having to wait for an external operator to be driven or flown out to the site for repairs.

KITO PWB national hoist specialist Glenn Morgan is confident in the features the product offers.

replacements and ensuring they are less likely to fail while in operation.

The deep grooves on the wire rope drum help to ensure the wire is seated and unlikely to come loose during operation to prevent the load from shifting, while the wire rope itself is resistant to wear.

KITO PWB’s new RY Series Wire Rope Hoist.

“In combination with the inverter controls and VFD technology, KITO RY rope hoist also includes an electronic overload which can detect when the load is above the working load of the hoist,” he said.

“When it detects that the load is 25 per cent over the rated capacity, the hoist will automatically stop and prevent that load from being raised. It’s something that we designed to keep people safe and to keep the lifespan of our hoists accurate.”

Overloading is detrimental to all equipment and reduces the number of hours that equipment can function at its intended capacity.

The components of the RY Wire Rope Hoist are manufactured to be more durable, increasing times between

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“The hoist also has limit switches that are easily set on-site. When the hoists are installed, the limit switches can easily be set so that the hook doesn’t stop too short and also doesn’t go too far and hit the ground, which would cause slack rope,” Morgan said. “Not only is it dangerous to have the hook go past the site’s pre-determined stopping point, which is different for most places, but it also damages the wire rope and the hook if it’s allowed to hit the ground each time.

“And if for whatever reason the hoist goes past its upper limit, we also have a final limit control set into the hoist, which will stop the hook from going past a certain point and disable the hoist to prevent any possible failures from occurring.”

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Safety technology The ‘Oliver Promise’ is a commitment to create footwear that provides the most comfortable fit and the best performance.

The right step for safety footwear A DURABLE BOOT IS THE FOUNDATION OF PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT, AND THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT OLIVER FOOTWEAR-BRANDED SAFETY PRODUCTS PROVIDE.

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he guarantee that Oliver Footwear works towards in regards to its footwear, is providing the most comfortable fit and offering the best performance, all while being the most durable boot available.

That’s what Oliver Footwear delivers as a part of its ‘Oliver Promise’.

When it comes to mining boots, added to that focus is the implementation of extensive safety measures to stand up to the multitude of different hazards and factors that exist in the resources sector.

Heat resistance, crush-resistant caps, and toe and heel scuff guards are some of the inclusions Oliver Footwear product development manager Brett Huggins ensures are in the products the company designs.

“We have spent a lot of time in consultation with the industry and have evolved our products to suit the end-user requirements,” Huggins told Safe to Work. “Whether it’s specific boots that can be worn underground that are heat-resistant and hold up in very wet and rough terrain, or boots that are worn in processing plants that

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are engineered to stand up to caustic substances and kinetic forces.

“The specific needs of the entire mining industry, not just open-cut and surface mining needs, are something we consider when developing our different products.”

Emerging and evolving trends are of interest to Oliver Footwear, which incorporates advancements into its own tried and tested designs that deliver the company promise.

Providing more than just safety, the team at Oliver Footwear works to ensure the usability of its products

and the wellbeing of their wearers, offering comfort and quality features that help the brand stay at the forefront of the industry.

“Aside from keeping the foot supported and protecting it from impacts from outside, we also look to ways at keeping feet dry; not just from preventing water from getting in, but also from the sweat and moisture that will naturally build in the boot,” Huggins said.

“These are boots that people are going to wear all day, so we want to maintain the hygiene of the foot and, to that end, have moisture-absorbent linings and footbeds to draw the moisture away from the foot.

“To be honest, it’s quite a comprehensive list of what we include that is just part of the promise we deliver.

“Abrasive-resistant leather of the boots, zippers located on the side of the boot so the fit can be set with laces and then still be taken off easily, and NANOlite footbeds for added comfort are just some of the features we pack in without compromising on their primary function as protective footwear.”

Oliver Footwear is a trusted brand that has the backing of Honeywell, which supplies a wider range of personal protective equipment (PPE) solutions and maintains a global reach and market.

Supporting head to toe safety in covering hearing, fall, head, eye, face and respiratory protection, and coveralls, as well as foot protection, Honeywell encompasses a vast area of safety protection. And it does so with an interest in manufacturing durable and sustainable products.

Honeywell ensures Oliver Footwear has the greatest support in manufacturing its products.

“Having the backing of Honeywell ensures that we are consistently able to bring out and develop products which are given that extra bit of care to really

Lighter boots are a key benefit given wearers are often on their feet all day.

push them over the top,” Huggins said.

“It goes to show that our boots are sought after because we can take the time to ensure that we have things like a comfortable fit, with wide toecaps to accommodate the people who are wearing our boots.”

Oliver always looks at ways of keeping workers’ feet dry.

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Featuring both steel cap and composite cap boots, the Oliver range is extensive. In particular, the composite boots offered as part of the AT-45 series have been especially helpful to the flyin, fly-out (FIFO) workforce.

“The AT-45 series are rated at the Australian safety standard level, but because the caps can be composite and contain no metal they’re beneficial for people who are travelling via plane, as they can be worn through metal detectors,” said Huggins.

“They are also lighter, which when you wear boots for a long time is a benefit that really stands out.

“It is those little things, like being able to keep your shoes on during travel, which really make Oliver a trusted brand.”

Infection control

Safe to touch: ViroCLEAR provides peace of mind AUSSIE PHARMA DIRECT IS HELPING BUSINESSES STAY OPEN BY PROTECTING STAFF AND EQUIPMENT WITH COMPREHENSIVE AUSTRALIAN-MADE PREVENTIVE SOLUTIONS.

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roducts designed to disinfect workplaces are high on the ‘must have’ list for businesses that want to keep their workers safe.

The need for workplace sterilisation has come into sharp relief over the last two years, with a genuine need to protect employees and their equipment from the chemicals used to kill infectious threats.

ViroCLEAR, produced by BioInnovate and distributed by Aussie Pharma Direct, gives businesses an alternative nonharmful, sustainable tool to combat infections and other viral and bacterial threats in the workplace.

The hospital-grade surface disinfectant is proven to kill COVID-19, SARS and Rhinovirus within 90 seconds, Candida Albicans within 60 seconds, and a range of other infectious viruses and bacteria.

Listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), the disinfectant is devoid of alcohol and ethanol, works on all common transmission points without being corrosive to materials or machinery and thereby extends the lifespan of equipment.

Wellbeing Brands chief operating officer John Macfie, who acts as the supplier of ViroCLEAR from BioInnovate to Aussie Pharma Direct, said the surface disinfectant was ideal for workplaces with lots of potential transmission points.

Sanitised surfaces are especially important in shared workplace spaces.

“In FIFO (fly in, fly out) scenarios where workers are sharing spaces, the sanitiser is important as the lack of harmful chemicals means that surfaces can be effectively sanitised to ensure workers are safe not just from the transmission of illness, but also from the sanitised surfaces themselves,” Macfie told Safe to Work.

“Workplaces aren’t just dealing with COVID-19; they’re having to deal with all manner of illnesses, which is why ViroCLEAR is effective, as it works to kill so much.

“The ARTG-listed surface disinfectant has shown so far that it is effective in dealing with evolving strains of COVID-19 and we can comfortably expect it

SAFETOWORK.COM.AU 34 JUL-AUG 2022

to deal with more SARS-based strains going forward.”

Originally developed as a gentle yet effective hand sanitisation solution for people with sensitive skin, ViroCLEAR in both its hospital-grade surface disinfectant and hand sanitiser formats is alcohol- and ethanol-free and kills 99.99 per cent of germs and bacteria.

Beyond supplying the ViroCLEAR range, Aussie Pharma Direct also distributes rapid antigen tests and highquality P2 face masks.

An important part of Aussie Pharma Direct’s mission is to help businesses stay open during what has been an uncertain and often difficult time. The company does that by supplying high-

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“Workplaces aren’t just dealing with COVID-19; they’re having to deal with all manner of illnesses, which is why ViroCLEAR is effective, as it works to kill so much.”

The hospital-grade disinfectant is proven to kill multiple viruses, including COVID, SARS and Rhinovirus.

quality Australian-made health and safety products, which protect workers and help reduce forced downtimes.

Daniel Seldon, managing director of Aussie Pharma Direct, spoke to Safe to Work about the company’s values and the niche it has carved out to help support local businesses.

“We’re committed to helping Australian businesses and individuals get through COVID-19 and whatever else

comes next,” Seldon said.

“In particular, for the mining industry, ViroCLEAR can help mines stay open and operational by creating a safe work environment where people aren’t getting sick.

“We are proud to supply and support high-quality Australian products, so people and businesses aren’t unnecessarily impacted from using anything inferior.”

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Safety technology

Extending radio coverage for mining teams SEPURA IS FILLING A GAP BY LAUNCHING A VHF TETRA RADIO SOLUTION IN AUSTRALIA, PROVIDING MISSION-CRITICAL COMMUNICATION FUNCTIONS TO THE MINING INDUSTRY.

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hether a mine is underground or opencut, communication is always key.

Having reliable audio communication is a matter of safety and security, with universal and site-specific factors requiring each site installation to be uniquely designed and implemented.

The many hazards that are present at a mine site and the different situations that can occur during a regular day of operations are what make being able to communicate effectively within a team of the utmost importance.

A supplier of critical communication radio equipment for 20 years, Sepura understands the technology and unique needs of the mining industry, business development manager Doug Bowden told Safe to Work.

“You don’t always have eyes on your workers (in mine sites). Sepura’s products enable you to ensure you are always in contact with the team, whether deep underground or at the very edges of the mine site. This is a massive factor in enabling safer mining operations,” he said.

“You don’t have to worry that they might unknowingly be going

into a blast zone or somewhere that is unsafe, because there is reliable two-way communication.

“We provide for operations where communication is critical, so maximum reliable coverage is our main focus.

“In addition to this, our radios are designed to be durable enough to withstand conditions on mining operations. This includes hazards such as dirt, water or iron ore dust, and also heavy treatment, knocks and bumps that are par for the course in the industry.”

Taking strides in the technological advancements of their product, Sepura’s radios have gone far beyond voice communication, product manager Ben Tabour explained.

“The latest generation of Sepura TETRA radios are able to connect to additional devices via

Reliable audio communication is a matter of safety and security across every aspect of a mining operation.

SAFETOWORK.COM.AU 36 JUL-AUG 2022

Bluetooth or to Wi-Fi networks, enabling access to relevant data and simplifying everyday tasks such as radio programming,” he said.

With many mobile radios being wired into trucks and other machinery, having the option to keep them updated while within the range of a Wi-Fi connection saves much-needed time, as operations that are reliant on these mobile machines do not have to cease while communications are being updated.

“Previously, operators would have to manually remove the radio and bring the hardware into the service areas to update it and then move it back to be reinstalled,” Tabor said.

“It’s a massive time loss for mines and the reality is, every second that is spent non-functioning is a massive loss in profits for mines.”

Sepura’s products are designed to enable communication whether deep underground or at the edge of the mine site.

The product release for Sepura is to launch new versions of their proven hand-portable and mobile radios in VHF frequency bands.

“Because VHF radio waves work over a much larger distance, this offers considerable advantages to a user organisation,” Bowden explained.

“Radios are able to pick up network signal across a much larger base, and the cost of implementing a network is much reduced, as less network infrastructure is required.”

“If you’re talking about a site that is 50 square kilometres and you need consistent coverage across that site to ensure safe, efficient operations, then VHF TETRA opens up many new opportunities,” Tabor confirmed.

The VHF radio portfolio was launched at Critical Communications World in Vienna in June.

The move to high-quality VHF TETRA is a first for the industry, and with a focus on providing these services to Australian mining groups Sepura will help

to provide a number of advantages for local companies. The VHF technology included in Sepura’s new SC20 hand portable and SCG22 mobile radios is compatible with DAMM infrastructure, which is already in place in mines across the country.

Additionally, using VHF ensures that everyone employing these solutions is able to access TETRA, which may have been previously unavailable due to spectrum limitations.

“TETRA offers mission-critical capability and enables efficient operational working,” Bowden said.

“It offers key functions to support users in this sense; audio quality, robustness, security, applications capability, greater traffic capability and call prioritisation are all what TETRA offers over other solutions like DMR (digital mobile radio).”

Infection control

Prevention measures lead mine health standards OPERATING WITH OVER 20 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE IN HEALTHCARE, BRIDGES INFECTION CONTROL CONSULTANCY IS DEDICATED TO ENSURING WORKPLACE SAFETY.

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he last two years have seen businesses adapt to a pandemic landscape and initiate COVID safety plans.

These measures may be effective, but outbreaks still occur.

“There are general guidelines like social distancing and ensuring appropriate ventilation which should be seen in all workplaces,” Bridges Infection Control Consultancy (BICC) consultant and owner Leisa Bridges told Safe to Work. “But no workplace is the same and that’s what any infectious control plan needs to take into account.

“How people interact while working, what shared spaces are used, where the greatest areas of transmissible risk are all need to be taken into account.”

The nature of infectious diseases such as COVID-19 or the resurgent flu means prevention is easier and more effective than treatment. Up-to-date COVID plans, the right supplies, and knowledge of what common risks are relevant in the

Bridges Infection Control Consultancy consultant and owner Leisa Bridges.

workplace are all integral to preventing downtime as a result of illness.

BICC offers an infection control walkthrough, where businesses have their measures reviewed on-site.

“COVID-19 really showed workplaces how important cleaning is,” Bridges said.

“From my experiences, staff have been shown how to clean and sanitise, as that’s often the first step businesses take. But it’s hard to do correctly and that’s one of the main aspects we can help with, showing the correct chemicals to use and how, and when and where.

“In addition to finding places to improve in infection control, one thing we really value is sharing that knowledge so businesses can follow these plans once we’re no longer on-site.”

Adhering to safety guidelines is more important than ever, with workplaces transitioning back to regular in-person operations as Australia adopts its approach to living with the virus.

To help operations self-manage their guidelines, BICC has worked alongside Victoria Response to develop Outbreak Safe, a program designed to provide businesses with what they need to help maintain health and safety.

“Giving businesses the tools to stay on top of the health of their workers and track these infectious strains as they develop is invaluable,” Bridges said.

“Knowing who to test and being able to isolate people and ensure that their stations are sanitised saves so much time both in the short and long term.

“Additionally, staff being able to report

Infection controls must consider that every workplace is different.

conditions and any relevant vaccinations and symptoms is a benefit to keeping the community safe whilst also keeping their personal information secure.”

The services offered by BICC and the Outbreak Safe app are indispensable to businesses with fly-in fly-out (FIFO) workers, to help identify and deal with any infectious possibilities before they can affect the entire business.

“A lot of workplaces have a big focus on their PPE to stop physical injury, but disregard the PPE and tools in place to stop infectious diseases,” Bridges said.

“In order for businesses to keep functioning and avoid debilitating shutdowns, the measures that have been put in place and the measures that BICC can provide need to be ongoing.”

SAFETOWORK.COM.AU 38 JUL-AUG 2022

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Gold

Education program drives golden pipeline THE GOLD INDUSTRY GROUP IS HEADING INTO SCHOOLS TO TAP INTO A NEW RESERVE OF TALENT AND EDUCATE THE INDUSTRY’S FUTURE WORKFORCE.

Students are shown how mining work is done collaboratively.

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ecent skills shortages across Australia amplify the need for industries to develop and nurture their talent pipeline.

And as the second largest employer in the mining sector, Australia’s gold industry is paving the way for the future leaders of tomorrow through education and awareness.

Australia’s gold industry employs more than 50,000 people across a diverse range of roles, from exploration and mining through to community and environment. With gold production predicated to rise over the next three years as more mines come online and existing operations expand, attracting young talent and high-quality candidates is front of mind for industry leaders.

Gold Industry Group chief executive officer Rebecca Johnston said the gold industry was taking a long-term view to securing its future talent, and that education was a key driver to ensure students were inspired by a career in gold.

“At a time when talent is scarce and the competition for new hires is high, it has never been more important for the gold industry to ensure it has a continuous stream of new talent,” she said.

“The opportunities for a career in gold are endless, and it’s vital companies engage with students to educate them on the roles and pathways available.”

Through its National Gold Education Program, the Gold Industry Group

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is providing companies with an opportunity to engage with the industry’s future workforce and create real change at a grassroots level.

The program, which has already reached 1300 schools since it was launched two years ago, offers free worker-led classroom sessions and a gold resources kit, which teaches students about how the industry solves problems through science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), with a focus on sustainability and community impact.

This initiative is complimented by the Heart of Gold Australia app and Heart of Gold Discovery Trails, which feature over 30 interactive self-guided or guided gold activities from around the country.

The success of the program has led the Gold Industry Group to launch its new Gold Class Careers sessions Australia-wide. These free 60-minute sessions are run by industry workers and are designed to educate students on the sector’s value to the community and economy, and showcase the depth of roles available to them.

The sessions have already received strong feedback from schools, who are keen to learn more about the sector, but also from employees who appreciate the opportunity to share their pride in what they do. Employees are the gold sector’s greatest advocates, and the program provides an invaluable opportunity for them to share their enthusiasm for the industry.

The Gold Industry Group has also been collaborating on furthering gold

The program is an opportunity to explain the ways gold is used across multiple industries and professions.

education in schools through its longterm partnership with Australian Earth Science Education, with the development of free lesson plans and other learning tools for teachers that align to the Australian curriculum.

As a part of this partnership, the Gold Industry Group took students to Sydney’s Gold Conference in June, where they worked on an exploration challenge with industry workers. The students gained first-hand experience in how mining work is done collaboratively, with safety, sustainability and social impact always in mind.

Regular excursions to mining site also provide students the chance to be inspired by industry professionals and to learn about the mining process in a hands-on environment.

Last year saw Year 11 students from Woodvale Secondary College in WA experience the trip of a lifetime to Northern Star Resources’ Super Pit, approximately 600km east of Perth, where they got an up-close look at

the scale of one of the world’s largest gold mining operations.

The Gold Industry Group recently awarded Calista Primary School with a tour through the heart of Perth using the Heart of Gold Australia app. This tour will finish at the famous Perth Mint, where students will experience exhibitions and live gold-pouring demonstrations to help enhance their understanding of Australia’s history and today’s modern gold mining industry.

Earlier this year, Year 10, 11 and 12 students were afforded the opportunity to go underground in Westgold Resources’ mine simulator and hear the career experiences of employees at Novo Resources, after which all students said they would consider a career in gold.

Novo Resources project metallurgist Jason Aleknavicius spoke highly of the initiative and said it was encouraging to see workers given the opportunity to share their passion for the industry.

“Novo Resources were delighted to host students from the Gold

The Gold Industry Group says it’s vital to show students the “endless” opportunities of a career in gold.

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Industry Group. This educational and interactive session was designed to provide emerging and future members of the resources industry valuable insight from those that ‘live and breathe’ it,” Aleknavicius said.

Westgold executive assistant Fiona Baird said the team thoroughly enjoyed meeting such an engaged group of students with genuine interest in the gold industry.

“It was so encouraging to see that all of them would now seriously consider mining as a career and all of them would recommend this experience to their peers,” she said.

The National Gold Education Program is complimented by the Gold Jobs online hub, work in tandem to drive the talent pipeline that will support the future gold industry workforce.

The ground-breaking latter resource provides the public with a unique one-stop-shop to access jobs and career-focused information on Australia’s diverse and thriving gold sector. The platform continues to build significant interest, featuring thousands of jobs from 16 leading gold companies since its inception, and attracting more than 145,000 jobseekers.

Anglogold Ashanti Australia recruitment lead Steven Neal said the company had a long-standing relationship with the Gold Industry Group and viewed it as a key partner in promoting its employer brand and assisting with its talent acquisition strategy.

“In this current skills shortage climate and tight job market, the Gold Industry Group’s Gold Jobs website has helped showcase the various roles and opportunities on offer in the gold industry and assisted us in reaching a wider and more targeted audience by providing an additional employment platform,” he said.

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Safety technology

Safety is all around with Epiroc Mining Intelligence EPIROC HAS MADE MAJOR STRIDES IN DEVELOPING EFFECTIVE MEASURES TO TAKE SAFETY TO THE NEXT LEVEL IN UNDERGROUND MINES.

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igitalisation is the foundation on which so much of a mining operation is built. It’s crucial for improving productivity and safety within those operations.

When working underground, ensuring miners are able to be reliably coordinated, especially in an emergency evacuation, is one of the most important factors to consider in ensuring safety.

Clear and accurate directions for hazards, tracking employees, guiding emergency crews to those who need help first, and maintaining an organised and efficient evacuation support process are key criteria that Epiroc product sales manager Andreas Prill identified as focus areas for his company’s technology.

“Ensuring that evacuees are mobilising towards safety rather than the hazard and ensuring people are using the shortest possible routes to refuge chambers is heavily dependent on realtime information,” he told Safe to Work.

“Our emergency support solution not only provides the location of miners and the capacity and occupancy of refuge chambers, it also provides reliable two-way communication between the control room and the miners underground by triggering cap lamps to flash in case of an emergency and by receiving acknowledgement from miners by a button press.”

“Today, literally anything that can be done with digital solutions above ground can also be done underground.”

Digitalisation extends beyond being used secure safety – it is also the metric for improving business processes.

Epiroc’s emergency support solution provides the location of miners and the capacity and occupancy of refuge chambers.

“You can’t improve what you can’t measure, and you can’t measure what you can’t see, which is why we need visibility and transparency to collect the relevant information,’’ Prill said.

“Real-time data is required to improve on productivity and safety. By comparing one shift to another or one cycle to another, we can start to understand why one performed better than the other and implement change and improvements.

“Removing uncertainties and variables, operations can stabilise and then optimise operations, benefitting not just their ability to ensure safety, but also the productivity of the mines.

“Digitalisation is integral, as it’s how variables are uncovered. Knowing what is working and what isn’t in real-time is how safety and productivity is improved.”

Epiroc Mining Intelligence has launched its Network Awareness tool that allows for analysis of an underground network. The tool utilises Mobilaris Onboard information, which incorporates navigation and traffic awareness to provide information on routes and other traffic within mines.

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Connected to easing the process of deploying networks, Epiroc Mining Intelligence has also launched a feature that allows technicians to manage the network node placements directly from handheld devices such as Mobilaris Onboard or Mobilaris Pocketmine.

Epiroc Mining Intelligence has launched a new solution to pinpoint fixed assets with 5–10m accuracy by attaching a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) beacon to the assets such as pumps, buckets and control units, helping to reduce lengthy search time and increasing utilisation.

Epiroc’s ability to work closely with customers and track their vehicles, assets and people underground has allowed the company to identify the most important safety needs.

“Digital communication is not the future of mining technology; it is the present,” Prill said.

“Every delay in information slows down decision-making, which impacts productivity but, more importantly, can cost lives at crucial times.

“Safety is of the highest priority when it comes to what we are developing.”

Industry events

Bulk Handling Expo back on the calendar

More than 60 businesses will be exhibiting their products at BULK2022.

SHOWCASING THE BEST OF THE INDUSTRY, THE 2022 AUSTRALIAN BULK HANDLING EXPO IS BACK AFTER A LONG HIATUS AND WILL ARRIVE IN MELBOURNE IN AUGUST.

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jam-packed conference, exhibition and awards program is what awaits attendees at the 2022 Australian Bulk Handling Expo (BULK2022).

Organised and brought together

by Australian Bulk Handling Review, BULK2022 will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, running as a standalone event between August 24–26. It will also benefit from being held adjacent to MEGATRANS, a major event that integrates the logistics and freight sector.

Supported by the Australian Society for Bulk Solids Handling (ASBSH), which will host an industry conference that brings together panels, keynote speakers and presentations, the trade expo will showcase the latest in bulk material handling equipment and technology.

BULK2022 promises to deliver valuable safety insights into the industry, with a number of events staggered over the course of what will be a big three days: • Panel session: Mitigating risk and promoting safety on-site • Technical session: Challenges and solutions of dust suppression during bulk materials unloading into intake hoppers • Technical session: Where science and awareness meet there is opportunity • Technical presentation: Evaluation of bulk material dustiness and design of suppression systems • Technical presentation: Digital inspection – Using mobile devices to manage compliance and maintenance in the bulk solids handling industry

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The Australian Bulk Handling Awards that run as a part of BULK2022 are the only such program for the industry. The awards are being run in conjunction with MEGATRANS, and the awards gala dinner is an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements and successes of companies and individuals that have demonstrated innovative practices and superior performances across the year.

With the delays caused by COVID-19 forcing the cancellation of the 2020 and 2021 awards, this year’s event will be a combined affair, with the winners determined from the pool of joint finalists.

The following categories and finalists from 2020 and 2021 are representative of the advancements made in the safety technology and development aspects of the industry:

“BULK2022 is an opportunity for manufacturers and clients from a large swath of industries who would not normally meet to engage with one another at an event.”

DUST CONTROL TECHNOLOGY, APPLICATION OR PRACTICE: A project that helps to keep dust creation in the bulk solids handling process to a minimum.

• M-Sens 2 in coffee roasting – Group Instrumentation • Rotary Floating Shoe (RFS) Valves – Anval International • Sun Pharmaceutical: Bat Booth dust suppression system – Mideco Dust Control • VEGADIF85 – VEGA Australia • Drillrig Dust Suppression System – Enviromist and Action Drill & Blast

BEST PRACTICE IN SAFETY: A project or program that emphasises and upholds industry safety standards.

• Hi Roller and CMC collaboration – AGI • Preventative Conveyor Maintenance Program – Kinder Australia • “Splice without a knife” Solution – Fenner Conveyors • Transportable Moisture Limit project – Centre for Bulk Solids and Particulate Technologies • Virtual Reality (VR) safety training platform – LINX Cargo Care Group • Sparcric Belt lifter to change rollers – R.Brunone

BULK2022 is set to draw people from all over Australia.

These awards highlight the innovation and excellence that abound throughout the entire bulk handling industry.

BULK2022 is proudly supported

by VEGA Australia, which will be showcasing its range of products that aim to be modern and up to date with the market but also simple and easy to use, as managing director at VEGA Australia John Leadbetter explained.

“We’re always working on new tech formats to keep ourselves ahead of the market. That means listening to our customers and finding out what their needs and plans are,” he said.

“No system is the same and each industry has different requirements.

“BULK2022 is going to be a huge show and we are all excited to boost our company’s profile through it.

“There’s a real opportunity here to develop a deeper understanding of the market while helping to grow the bulk handling sector through our latest innovations which are geared towards this industry.”

More than 60 businesses are exhibiting their products at BULK2022, encompassing the broad array of technology and innovation that exists with the bulk handling industry, from abrasive solutions to weighing systems.

As an event that targets those who deal with bulk materials in various different forms, BULK2022 is an opportunity for manufacturers and clients from a large swath of industries who would not normally meet to engage with one another at an event.

Visit bulkhandlingexpo.com.au/ pricing-packages for information and to book tickets.

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Safety technology

Maximum monitoring in minimal space TECASCOPE’S DIGITAL MONITORING SYSTEMS HELP TO INCREASE SAFETY AND OPTIMISE LABOUR FOR CONFINED SPACES.

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afety is becoming increasingly synonymous with automation. Where efficiency, timeliness and accuracy can combat human error and indirect labour costs, sites are turning to digitalised solutions to improve risk management along every stage of production.

On most auxiliary plants, workers are required to enter confined spaces to carry out routine procedures or repairs.

“Confined spaces are generally not built or engineered for human occupancy,” Nick McKoy, operations manager at Tecascope – a technology company developing industrial safety solutions – told Safe to Work.

“One of the main hazards associated with working in confined spaces is ventilation and having the ability to safely operate in a place that may have lack of oxygen, hazardous chemicals, or other airborne contaminants.”

The Tecascope control access system is made up of internal and external monitoring points, including closedcircuit television (CCTV), intercoms, lights, temperature and humidity gauges, atmospheric detectors, strobes and sirens. Its command centres host dual servers, each with five terabytes of storage and built-in fail over logic.

“Tecascope tracks who is entering and exiting the confined space, which is very important in an emergency to ensure accountability of all personnel working around the area,” McKoy said.

“Additionally, it has the ability to alert anyone working outside of the space when there is an unsafe or emergency

condition, which is a level above a standard air horn or split radio system.”

The intercom feature gives enhanced connectivity for anyone working inside the space to communicate with workers on the outside or in the central command centre. The mechanism works alongside the documentation of any events through the CCTV systems, providing a detailed picture for incident investigations. This offers a unique opportunity for rootcause analysis to prevent reoccurrence.

The product suite has been designed and tested in Australia to comply with national guidelines.

“We are the first Australian company to provide this monitoring technology,” Tecascope founder Steve Chesterman told Safe to Work. “We have seen what a game-changer it has been in other countries, and we wanted to take that step forward by bringing it to the local market. It is a big evolution into the future of managing multiple confined spaces on a single plant.”

The base system includes up to 12 monitoring control stations, a monitoring station server, a badge station data computer, and process management by industry leaders. The kit has portability, allowing movement as workflow progresses through or around a site.

Restricted ventilation is a primary concern for confined spaces, as hazardous chemicals, airborne particles or gas may become trapped inside.

“Closely monitoring atmospheric conditions is imperative for mining companies, but policies and procedures vary so much that solutions are often

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Tecascope’s command centres host dual servers, each with five terabytes of storage and built-in fail over logic.

outdated or inefficient,” McKoy said.

“The threat of flammable gas in confined spaces can be combated with wireless gas-detection technology.”

Confined spaces usually require a ‘standby’ operator who manually records people as they come and go.

“To station someone with a clipboard at every vessel or confined space requires a lot of extra labour, but that monitoring aspect is crucial to ensuring everybody remains safe and accounted for,” Chesterman said. “Tecascope offers an automated solution, using CCTV to have full vision, both inside and outside of the space.”

The Tecascope system is designed to increase productivity by optimising labour on manual duties, and help sites consistently meet safety benchmarks and relevant codes and legislation.

“We are transforming the way that safety is managed on industrial sites, with new benchmark standards that are integrated and scalable to allow comprehensive monitoring in confined spaces,” Chesterman said.

Safety technology

Digitally tracking workers when emergency strikes TRADITIONAL EVACUATION MANAGEMENT IS UNDERPINNED BY MANUAL PRACTICES, WHICH CAN WASTE UNNECESSARY TIME AND MONEY. ENTER BLACKLINE SAFETY’S NEW WIRELESS TRACKING SOLUTION.

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anada’s Blackline Safety has developed a wireless tracking solution for heavy industries that harnesses the smarts of satellite connectivity.

Blackline’s handheld Internet of Things (IoT) gas-detection devices have been equipped with tracking capabilities which enable them to monitor employee whereabouts no matter where they are located.

Leading Australian gas-detection equipment servicer and supplier Encore Monitoring has been appointed as a distributor for the product, which Encore managing director Matt Mazzuchelli said is particularly applicable to the remote expanses of the mining industry.

“In Australia’s mining and exploration industries, it’s commonplace for employees to be working in remote and isolated environments,” he told Safe to Work.

The device enables faster evacuation drills to take place.

The handheld device can track the location of workers in real-time.

“For instance, in a lot of metal mines, there’s borefields where workers can drive say 50km a day to check on bores and, typically, the person will be by themselves.

“If they have a vehicle accident, for example, this monitoring device can immediately generate an alert to notify management as to the worker’s whereabouts.”

Mazzuchelli said the devices are also important in evacuations on large mine sites, with the location of workers able to be monitored in real-time. The solution also has a ‘man down’ function.

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“As soon as a worker is down, the device will generate an alert if it’s not touched within a set period of time,” he said.

“The control centre receives an alarm and from there they can contact the device and communicate with the worker to see if they’re okay.

“If they don’t respond, an emergency response can be initiated.”

Until now, evacuation management – whether drills and preparation exercises or an actual evacuation – has been largely reliant on manual practices. Team leaders would conduct manual head

“Blackline Safety seeks to digitally connect a mine site, ensuring operations can save time during evacuation drills, while also measuring and improving emergency preparedness.” counts at muster points, which is not only time-consuming but prone to error.

Team leaders can also often be poorly prepared when a worker doesn’t arrive at a muster point as expected, leading to a waste of valuable time and expenses on unnecessary searches.

Without data access, it can also be difficult for management to accurately measure and improve their emergency preparedness over time.

In response, Blackline Safety seeks to digitally connect a mine site, ensuring operations can save time during evacuation drills, while also measuring and improving emergency preparedness.

In a resources sector that’s facing constant post-COVID labour shortages,

mining companies and contractors don’t have the flexibility they once did to deploy multiples workers to complete operational tasks. Therefore, more and more safety solutions are being designed for lone workers.

Traditionally involved with the oil and gas industry, Blackline Safety engaged Encore Monitoring as a distributor with the mining sector in mind.

Mazzuchelli said it was also important that Encore was forwardthinking and digitally progressive. “(Blackline) wanted to partner with a company that’s heavily involved in the gas detection and mining industry; 80 per cent of our business is mining,” he said.

“This is taking another step forward Instant alerts can be sent to a control centre if an accident occurs.

with innovation and technology, which is why they saw us as a company that can take Blackline forward in Australia. We are like-minded in that a lot of what we do is about new products and solutions.”

Not just innovatively inclined, Encore Monitoring carries the reputation of decades of service and support for the mining industry.

“I’ve been in the mining industry for 35 years and the business has been around for 27 years,” Mazzuchelli said.

“We’ve got a long history of supplying mining companies with technology products and innovative solutions – that’s what our focus is – and for much of that we’ve also been focused on worker safety.”

In a recent white paper, Blackline Safety crunched some numbers to highlight the safety and cost benefits of digitally connecting a mine site.

In an evacuation, manual head counts can take 45–60 minutes to ensure each person’s safety. In the case of an hour-long drill involving 400 workers, if each worker earns $50 per hour, this costs $20,000 per drill.

And this doesn’t even consider the productivity losses that can result from drawn-out evacuation drills.

Blackline Safety’s IoT gas-detection devices enable faster drills and insights to optimise future emergency preparedness, while ensuring worker safety at the same time.

Because no one should be left behind in the event of an emergency.

Fast fact In a mining sector that’s facing constant post-COVID labour shortages, mining companies and contractors don’t have the flexibility they once did to deploy multiples workers to complete operational tasks. Therefore, more and more safety solutions are being designed for lone workers.

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Safety technology

Supporting leading safety companies for a stronger mining industry AUSTMINE HAS HELPED SAFESCAPE AND MIX TELEMATICS TO MAKE CONNECTIONS AND TO GROW THEIR BUSINESSES.

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romoting a healthy safety culture is vital in any high-risk industry. Bringing together suppliers, customers and industry, Austmine has an important role in growing the resources sector it supports in a fiscal and safety capacity.

As Austmine members who offer safety solutions to the industry, Safescape and MiX Telematics are integral suppliers within the mining equipment, technology and services (METS) sector.

With Safescape providing emergency egress technology for mines and MiX Telematics offering comprehensive communication and fleetmonitoring equipment, these companies represent a just a fraction of those who are part of the web of connections offered by Austmine.

Safescape is now looking to further expand the breadth of its services, as marketing manager Beau McKenna told Safe to Work.

“We’ve supplied 52,000m of our Safescape Laddertube to 141 mine sites across 24 countries, which is used as a means of egress from an underground mine in the case of an emergency,” McKenna said. “It has been a phenomenal success for us.

“Our Laddertube is designed to be long-lasting and requires significantly less maintenance and support than other metal or wood ladder systems due to the plastic roto-moulded construction of the

Safescape’s success has allowed it to branch out in areas like electric mining vehicles.

Laddertube. This means in the case of an emergency they will be just as reliable as the day they were installed.

“That success has allowed us to branch out into other safety products more recently, such as our own electrified mining vehicles.

“We’ve been involved in numerous programs and events through Austmine which have helped to drive our business forward, most recently at the Austmine 2021 Harnessing Intelligence Mining Innovation Conference.”

Austmine hosts a large number of events and programs designed to increase awareness, connect industry and developers, and to spread information about the mining industry.

In addition, those who don’t solely supply to the mining industry but are invaluable to its function are also given

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the access and growth opportunities, which is what MiX Telematics and its communication technology represent.

Detailing the work and services it provides to the mining industry, MiX Telematics Middle East and Australasia managing director Brodie von Berg explained the company’s vital role within the resources sector.

“Our technology enables customers to have in-vehicle systems that can alert drivers in real-time when they exhibit high-risk behaviours, which is invaluable as the feedback promotes better safety habits and driving style through which they can later track their performance,” Von Berg told Safe to Work.

“This information feeds back to the drivers and fleet management, so they can identify those high-risk behaviours and areas and seek to improve on

those to increase safety outcomes.

“All the information is contained and easily accessible on a management level, so the overall risk of the fleet and their drivers can be lowered through extensive driver management and executive engagement on our platform.

“We’ve always had mining customers, but Austmine has exposed us to a much wider range of connections that we previously wouldn’t have known about.

“But the real benefit is that because we are connected to much more of the mining industry than we previously were, it enables us to collect greater feedback from the mining community on the challenges and the problems which they are trying to address.”

Austmine has more than 650 member companies across Australia and is committed to building partnerships, promoting innovation and distributing information within all facets of mining.

Giving companies a platform to share their products and services through events such as the Austmine 2023 International Conference and Exhibition is integral to growing a safety culture.

“Driving is inherently a high-risk activity, a risk that increases with how much you drive and where you are driving, whether over a predictable environment or somewhere with a lot of difficult terrain,” Von Berg said.

“Our technology enables workers to drive more safely in the field and for management to optimise and review information to ultimately reduce time spent driving.”

McKenna said Safescape had also seen significant benefits from its relationship with Austmine.

“We’re continually looking to expand our range of safety solutions and Austmine has been able to facilitate that,” he said.

Safescape’s Laddertube is used as a means of egress from an underground mine in the event of an emergency.

“Being able to roll out our Laddertube to more mines that need a reliable emergency solution and starting development on the electrification of Australian-made vehicles that are designed for the mining industry will increase safety and sustainability outcomes.”

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Safety technology

These boots are made for safety INNOVATING NEW TECHNOLOGY TO BE THE BENCHMARK IN SAFETY FOOTWEAR, BLUNDSTONE’S ROTOFLEX RANGE DELIVERS A PREMIUM, LIGHTWEIGHT, HIGH-SPECIFICATION PRODUCT.

B

oots are at the core of personal protective equipment (PPE) for mine and construction workers and Blundstone has long stood as a reliable supplier to these industries.

Blundstone is now set to release its new RotoFlex range of boots designed with functionality, comfort and injuryprevention well and truly front of mind.

Being the first heavy-industry boots for women in Australia with an incorporated composite cap, the RotoFlex range delivers on all fronts.

Three years of research showed wearers want better-performing work boots, according to global work and safety range manager Adrian Blandford.

“They want them to be strong, lightweight, offer good grip and manoeuvrability, as well as high protection for the user. The most common injuries occurring on work sites include musculoskeletal injuries and ankle and knee injuries caused in falls and slips,” Blandford told Safe to Work.

“We discovered that we couldn’t just design something that was a variation on what already existed. We had to go out there looking for ways to create the space in the footwear that we wanted.

“A collaboration with the University of Tasmania’s school of health science’s biomechanics experts resulted in the RotoFlex range. New fits, new designs, new technologies – it’s world-leading. We call it that because we have developed features in RotoFlex that have never been used anywhere in the world before.”

Changes in the RotoFlex range include the introduction of GripTek and Aircell technology, which were developed as a part of Blundstone’s research to create a safety boot that reduced slip risks and provided increased comfort.

GripTek’s sole design – with a tread patterned to provide optimum grip and resist mud clumping alongside BASF’s Infinergy E-TPU, which offers excellent shock absorption and constant cushioning – allows RotoFlex boots to be worn with confidence all day.

Abandoning the industry standard of keeping the foot as restrained as possible, RotoFlex incorporates SoftCell, which allows for more flexibility as the boot cradles the foot, rather than compressing it.

“RotoFlex is a range of boots where stability meets the freedom to move, allowing the wearer’s foot to rotate and the ankle to flex to avoid injury,” Blandford said.

The RotoFlex range will be the first of Blundstone’s heavy-industry boots to incorporate a composite toe cap.

“While traditional composite, aluminium and plastic toe caps passed the test, they didn’t stand up to other pressures,” Blandford said.

“We needed to make sure that the composite caps met Blundstone’s exacting standards, not just the minimum safety requirements.

“The weight difference isn’t huge (between steel and composite caps), but when you are on your feet for upwards of 10 hours a day, it can make a difference.”

SAFETOWORK.COM.AU 53 JUL-AUG 2022

Workers want boots that are strong, lightweight, and offer good grip and manoeuvrability.

Blundstone has developed a boot that, from the footbed to the tongue, is specifically made for the often-harsh environments of Australian work sites.

“From the ground up, every single component used in the construction of the RotoFlex range has been researched, tested and trialled to ensure we deliver truly innovative, better performing safety footwear,” said Blandford. “Our design team and technicians looked at multiple options for each element and selected the best-performing, most appropriate product. And if they couldn’t find the perfect piece, they created it so we could deliver best-in-market safety footwear.

“RotoFlex will be the benchmark for boots in the safety footwear market.”

Events CONFERENCES, SEMINARS & WORKSHOPS EVENT SUBMISSIONS CAN BE EMAILED TO EDITOR@SAFETOWORK.COM.AU

QUEENSLAND MINING AND ENGINEERING EXHIBITION MACKAY | JULY 19–21 The Queensland Mining and Engineering Exhibition (QME) is a key place for the industry to come together to be inspired, innovate and connect over three days.

It brings together leading suppliers and technical experts with those seeking better efficiency and productivity, and increased optimisation for their business and site.

QME will feature over 250 suppliers, and a free seminar series will give attendees the opportunity to hear from industry professionals who will address the current needs of the industry. With live demonstrations and topical presentations, QME will be the ultimate destination for the Queensland mining industry.

• queenslandminingexpo.com.au

DIGGERS & DEALERS MINING FORUM KALGOORLIE | AUGUST 1–3 Diggers & Dealers combines 70 corporate presentations by listed mining and exploration companies with more than 159 exhibitors from the sector. Delegates include miners, explorers, brokers, bankers, investors, financiers and mining service industries from around the world.

The event provides an opportunity for industry professionals to meet and network, visit regional mine sites, engage with media, raise finance, invest in projects and engage with the resources sector at an executive level.

A world class entertainment program ensures delegates experience the best of the style and hospitality of Kalgoorlie, the unofficial gold mining capital of Australia.

• diggersndealers.com.au

QUEENSLAND MINING INDUSTRY HEALTH AND SAFETY CONFERENCE GOLD COAST | AUGUST 21–24 Representing an initiative to promote health and safety in the Queensland mining industry, the conference provides the opportunity to exchange information, network and foster health and safety management techniques.

This year, the event returns with the theme ‘Together we collaborate, innovate and educate’. The conference will retain presentations planned for 2020 and promote the ingenuity of home-grown safety.

It follows a bumper year for conference attendance, with almost 1000 people joining the event when it featured seven keynote presentations, 50 concurrent presentations and 60 trade displays in 2019.

Held at The Star Gold Coast this year, the Queensland Mining Industry Health and Safety Conference will conclude with the Safety Innovation Health Awards and gala dinner.

• qmihsconference.org.au

IMPC ASIA PACIFIC 2022 MELBOURNE | AUGUST 22–24 AusIMM and the CSIRO will come together to present IMPC Asia Pacific 2022 in August. Held both in Melbourne and online, the conference brings together global delegates to share best practice and knowledge in mineral processing.

IMPC 2022 will feature over 350 full papers and extended abstracts, along with an extensive technical program and keynote speeches from a host of industry professionals. Expected to attract over 300 delegates across Melbourne and online, the conference will bring together mineral processing professionals to talk all things innovation. The conference is centred around the theme ‘From ideas to implementation’ and talks and papers will examine topics such as reducing waste and energy consumption.

The conference will have a strong focus on bringing together research bodies and the mining industry to facilitate collaboration. IMPC 2022 will be held at the end of August at Crown Promenade Melbourne and will be streamed online.

• ausimm.com/conferences-and-events/ impcap/

BULK2022: AUSTRALIAN BULK HANDLING EXPO MELBOURNE | AUGUST 24–26 The Australian Bulk Handling Expo, conference and awards will take place in 2022 to bring together the bulk handling

SAFETOWORK.COM.AU 54 JUL-AUG 2022

industry into a standalone exhibition that shares the same location as MEGATRANS, which integrates intrinsically with the logistics and multimodal freight sector.

It is supported by the Australian Society for Bulk Solids Handling (ASBSH), which will host an industry conference, while the trade expo will showcase the latest in bulk materials handling equipment and technologies.

Exhibitors include VEGA, SEWEurodrive, Mideco, Bonfiglioli, Minprovise and ESS Engineering.

BULK2022 will take place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre over a period of three days. BULK2020 and BULK2021 ticketholders will be able to use their tickets to join the rescheduled expo.

• bulkhandlingexpo.com.au

INTERNATIONAL MINING AND RESOURCES CONFERENCE (IMARC) SYDNEY | NOVEMBER 2–4 The eighth IMARC will now be held in Sydney at the International Convention Centre (ICC Sydney) from November 2–4 after being postponed from its previous date in January and February.

Isuzu, Newtrax Technologies, Murray Engineering and Australasian Metals have confirmed their support and participation for the event, in addition to major sponsors Caterpillar, Toronto Stock Exchange and Sandvik.

The IMARC team continues to build content and themes to attract global leaders from the mining, investment, and METS communities across the value chain.

Leading into November 2022, chief executive officers that were due to speak at the conference at the end of January will take part in a series of virtual interviews and keynote presentations as part of a brand new IMARC Insights series.

For those who registered for the previous event dates, the tickets will have automatically transferred to the new dates.

• imarcglobal.com

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Introducing

by Blundstone.

STABILITY MEETS THE FREEDOM TO MOVE. World-leading biomechanical design by Blundstone.

These individual elements culminate in RotoFlex—a design system that provides the pinnacle of lightweight safety and comfort.

The next generation of safety footwear for the modern worker.

Put our innovation to work—September 2022.

UNBEATABLE FIT. UNRIVALLED COMFORT.

COMPRESSION RESISTANT COMPOSITE SAFETY.

ALL-NEW TECH FOR ALL-DAY COMFORT.

STABILITY WITH EVERY STEP.

BLUNDSTONE.COM.AU/ROTOFLEX @blundstoneworkau