Conviction and sentence in mine worker fatality case

On 14 December 2020 the District Court convicted and fined Mr Tony Glenn Cummings $70,000 for an incident that resulted in the death of a worker at Mineral Claim 44507 in the Mulga Rush Opal Fields, near Lightning Ridge. View the full media release for further information and links to the investigation report and the incident animation video.

$540K enforceable undertaking accepted

The operator of Springvale Colliery near Lithgow has committed to spending approximately $540,000 as part of an enforceable undertaking after a worker was injured during a workplace incident in early 2019.

Annual Report 2019 - 2020

Our Annual Report 2019 - 2020 has been released to provide information about our activities during the 2019/2020 financial year. It provides an activities overview, outlines our responsibilities and describes key initiatives and outcomes that were achieved.

Expressions of interest for independent members

Expressions of interest are sought from suitably qualified people for consideration for appointment as independent members for the following two separate representative bodies:

• NSW Mine Safety Advisory Council
• Mining and Petroleum Competence Board

Certificate of competence briefing session – deputy

An additional online candidate briefing session for underground coal mine deputy certificate of competence applicants will be held on Friday 5 February 2021.

The online session will run from 10 am to 12 pm and will help prospective candidates understand how to apply and undertake the certificate of competence exams in 2021. There will be an opportunity to ask questions. The session will also be recorded and published on our website.

You must register to attend the session.

Applications for deputy certificate of competence close on Friday 5 March 2021. Contact us at mca@planning.nsw.gov.au for further information.

Quarterly Safety Report released

The Quarterly Safety Report for July to September 2020 has been released to assist industry improve safety management systems and undertake risk assessments at their sites. The report details incidents and trends relating to hazard management, in addition to sector specific information.

Narrabri undertaking rejected

An enforceable undertaking submitted by Narrabri Coal Pty Ltd (NCPL) and Narrabri Coal Operations Pty Ltd (NCO) under the Mining Act has been rejected. Our decision to reject the undertaking on 3 December 2020 was due to the seriousness of the conduct alleged and the collective merits of the initiatives proposed.

Hazards in surface mining operations

Audiometric testing exemption

In case you missed it...

• Compliance Priority Report - Respirable crystalline silica exposure standard (Coal)
• Compliance Priority Report - Respirable crystalline silica exposure standard - (Metex)
• Compliance Priority Report-Respirable crystalline silica exposure standard - (Small mines)
• Consolidated report: Managing roads or other vehicle operating areas in the surface coal sector
• Fact sheet - Fire or Explosion - Electrical - Underground Coal

SafeWork NSW presents the NSW Dust Strategy to prevent occupational dust diseases

The SafeWork NSW Dust Strategy 2020-2022 provides NSW workers and businesses with a coordinated approach to protect workers from illness, injury and death resulting from exposure to hazardous dusts.

The hazards of working in heat and air pollution this summer

This time last year, parts of Australia were badly affected by extreme heat and bushfires. Working in heat and/or in air pollution can be hazardous and can cause harm to workers in both indoor and outdoor work environments.

Safe Work Australia reminds employers to take precautions this summer and know the risks of working in heat and/or air pollution and protect worker health and safety.