Register now for small mines and quarries webinar 

Operators of small mines and quarries can find out what to expect from the Regulator next year and how to enhance their training processes at a 1-hour webinar in December. 

The webinar will assist operators in preparing for assessments in the first quarter of 2023. Findings from the recent compliance priority program focussing on mobile plant operator training and competence will be discussed, as well as recommendations from recent inspections.

The webinar will be held 10-11am on Tuesday 13 December 2022. 

Report released on underground strata failure intervention program

Key findings and recommendations from a targeted intervention program on ground or strata failure in the underground coal industry are now available.
 
The intervention program assessed design, review and verification processes at 18 mines between February and June 2022. Factors reviewed included strata support design and maintenance, past failures, mapping and monitoring and workers’ knowledge of identified controls.
 
The Regulator makes several recommendations to mine operators to address the defects identified in the program.

Guide: Winding systems for small gemstone mines 

The Resources Regulator has released a technical reference guide detailing management benchmarks and legislative requirements of winding systems for small gemstone mines.
 
The guide is designed to foster safe winding practices by assisting mines to identify potential hazards, assess risk, and implement appropriate risk controls.

Deputy Certificate of Competence oral exam briefing sessions

There's still time for new and existing Deputy Certificate of Competence candidates to register for briefing sessions that will help them prepare for their oral exam. Presented by the convenor, there is 1 online and 3 face-to-face presentations to choose from – click on the link to register: 

• Tuesday 15 November - Ulan West 

• Wednesday 16 November - Woonona 

• Thursday 17 November 2022 - Maitland and online 

Managing psychosocial hazards

SafeWork NSW inspectors are presenting free information sessions on the Code of Practice on Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work to help businesses understand more about psychosocial hazards and how to manage them.

Persons conducting a business undertaking are now required to implement control measures that eliminate or minimise psycho-social risks as far as reasonably practical. 

The sessions will be held in Tamworth on Tuesday 15 November, Newcastle on Thursday 17 November, Coffs Harbour on Thursday 24 November and Port Macquarie Tuesday 29 November.

Upcoming events 

Metalliferous industry safety and health engagement forum
Wednesday 16 November, 9am-4pm, Dubbo and Broken Hill
Sharing knowledge across the metalliferous mining industry.
More information

METEX mechanical engineers' forum
Thursday 1 December, 9am-3pm, Dubbo and online
Sharing knowledge across the metalliferous and extractives mechanical engineering disciplines.
More information
 
Open cut coal mechanical engineers' forum
Tuesday 6 December, 9am-3pm, Hunter Valley and online
Sharing knowledge across the open cut coal mechanical engineering discipline.
More information
 
Underground coal mechanical engineers' forum
Thursday 8 December 2022, 9am-3pm, Penrith and online
Sharing knowledge across the mechanical engineering discipline.
More information

In case you missed it...

The following are recent publications and updates available on our website:

• Consolidated report: Ground or strata failure – slope stability – small mines
• Learning from investigations animation: Worker trapped under loader cab
• Safety alert: Dangers of lifting and pulling activities
• Safety alert: Service brakes fail on dump truck
• Report: Human-system integration risk assessment for automation in mining