In this issue:

• Report shows favourable trends
• Dust explosion
• Have your say
• Prohibition notice

Report shows favourable trends

Our 2017-18 Mine Safety Performance Report provides an overview of the health and safety performance of the NSW mining and petroleum industry and selected regulatory activities during that time. 

The NSW mining industry has continued to minimise the risk to health and safety of workers, with zero fatalities in 2017-18. Regrettably, there were 82 serious injuries, 239 lost time injuries, 226 injury outcomes (lost time and/or restricted duty) of seven days or more and 920 total recordable injuries reported in 2017-18. In addition, we issued 1,385 mine safety notices, including 244 prohibition notices.

The NSW mining industry is on track to contribute toward the Australian Work Health and Safety Strategy 2012–2022 targets of a 20% reduction in fatalities and a 30% reduction in the incidence rate of claims resulting in one or more weeks off work. Similar measures in our report are showing favourable trends in line with these national targets.

 

Dust explosion

Coal dust is a fine powdered form of coal which can be hazardous if it is suspended in air outside a controlled environment. Coal dust suspended in air is explosive, has far more surface area per unit weight than lumps of coal and is more susceptible to spontaneous combustion. Coal dust explosions can be catastrophic.

Have your say

Safework Australia is calling for comments on the recommended values for respirable crystalline silica and respirable coal dust.

Access the consultation platform below and provide your comments on the draft evaluation reports and recommendations before 30 April.

Please contact wesconsult@swa.gov.au if you have any questions.

Prohibition notice

On 19 February a section 195 notice was issued to Wongawilli mine in the Illawarra, prohibiting all mining activity and persons remaining underground, other than a minimal number to undertake maintenance activities.