Information released about a collision between an excavator and a dozer

We have published an investigation information release into a collision between an excavator and a dozer at Maules Creek Mine on 26 May 2021.

The dangerous incident occurred as a dozer passed through the off-side swing radius of a large excavator as it was slewing. The rear counterweight passed over the dozer blade and struck the cabin structure of the dozer. The dozer operator was not injured.

Enforceable undertaking delivers best practice training package

A best-practice video training package has been developed to improve competencies regarding the use of earthmoving and off-the-road tyre handlers.

The package was developed by Otraco International Pty Ltd (Otraco) as part of a Work Health and Safety (WHS) enforceable undertaking accepted by the Resources Regulator following a serious incident at Mt Arthur mine in 2017.

In August 2017, a worker employed by Otraco suffered serious burn injuries after a fire started while refuelling a diesel-powered tyre handler at the Mt Arthur mine’s heavy vehicle refuelling facility. The fuel ignition also set the tyre handler on fire.

The video training package resources and supporting guide are available on our website.

MESS 2021 - early bird tickets now available

Registration is now open for the 30th annual Mechanical Engineering Safety Seminar to be held 11-12 August 2021 at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley.

The two-day seminar focuses on mechanical safety and health issues in mines. The seminar provides an opportunity for discussion, consultation and collective communication between engineers and other key stakeholders about these issues.

Register by midnight on Friday 9 July to take advantage of the early bird discount.

EESS 2021 - seeking presenters... last call

We are seeking experienced and enthusiastic presenters for the 30th annual Electrical Engineering Safety Seminar to be held 10-11 November 2021 at the Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley.
Submissions close 9 July 2021.

Maintenance of competence - webinar and session in Cobar

We are providing information for practising certificate holders in the coming weeks regarding maintenance of competence requirements.

We are holding a face-to-face session at Cobar next Tuesday (29 June) from 2pm to 3.30pm, in addition to the webinar scheduled for 7 July 2021 from 2pm to 3.30pm.

Each session will provide practising certificate holders with an update on maintenance of competence requirements and they will be taken through a self-auditing assessment for their logbooks. There will also be opportunities for discussions of individual logbook issues.

Attendees must comply with COVID-19 requirements.

To register for any of the above sessions, click on this link, select the date and location. If you unable to attend on the day, please cancel your registration through the link provided in the confirming email sent to you.

For further information, contact us at mca@planning.nsw.gov.au or 02 4063 6461.

Technical Reference Guide: Ventilation Control Plan

We have published a new Technical Reference Guide (TRG) to provide guidance to underground coal mines and underground metalliferous mines on developing and documenting a ventilation control plan.

Mine Safety Performance Report 

The Mine Safety Performance Report for 2019-20 has been released following collation and analysis of industry work health and safety reports, industry incident notifications and our compliance and enforcement data.

Despite injury frequency rates trending downwards for fatal, serious, lost time and total recordable injuries, 2019-20 saw one fatal injury, 106 serious injuries, 273 lost time injuries and 822 total recordable injuries reported to the Regulator.

Safe Work Australia launches occupational lung disease campaign

Safe Work Australia launched a campaign this month to raise awareness of occupational lung diseases information to manage these risks at work.

The "Clean Air. Clear Lungs" campaign includes information such as case studies, information sheets and checklists, to help people identify and assess the risk of exposure to hazardous materials at their workplace.

In case you missed it...

• EOI now open - MPCB independent members
• Help guide: Navigating to the Mining Worker's portal
• MSAC meeting minutes - 11 March 2021
• Online applications for Maintenance of Competence now available