Extension to call for expressions of interest – certificate of competence examiner

We've extended the closing date for expressions of interest until 6 June 2022 for certificate of competence examiners.  

Examiners are needed for the following statutory functions:

• Mechanical engineering manager – panel member
• Undermanager – casual examiners

• Information for examiners includes:
  • Fact sheet: Examiner for a certificate of competence
  • Expression of interest form with criteria for appointment
• See the Mining and Petroleum Competence Board page for details about the Board 
• Access the Mining competence page for details of examinations, competencies and practising certificates

Contact Tracey-Lee Smith, Assistant Project Officer, Competencies and Authorisations, 02 4063 6512  or tracey-lee.smith@regional.nsw.gov.au for more information.

This round of expressions of interest closes on 6 June 2022.

2022 exam calendar updated

The Certificate of Competence exam calendar has been updated for exams in the second half of 2022. Updates include:

• the Undermanager oral exam closing date extended to 6 June
• Quarry manager briefing session to be held on 9 June
• Electrical engineering briefing session to be held on 20 June.

All applications are to be submitted via the Resources Regulator portal by first obtaining a login, which requires identity documents to be submitted.

Individuals interested in applying are recommended to attend the free briefing session for each function conducted by each examination panel to inform you of what the process requires and what is expected to be assessed as competent. Please register to attend here: cocbriefingsesstickets.eventbrite.com.au

Collision avoidance online forum launched

The NSW Minerals Council and the NSW Resources Regulator recently launched a collision avoidance online forum, enabling NSW mining industry to engage with experts and access a range of informative documents and links about collision avoidance and proximity detection systems.

This is part of a broader engagement program initiated by the NSW Minerals Council and the Regulator to advance the implementation of proximity detection and collision avoidance technology in the NSW mining industry.

If you like access to the discussion board please e-mail rr.workshops@planning.nsw.gov.au.

Suppliers are also encouraged to contact us via email to post information about their products on the website.

Upcoming safety forums 

The inaugural underground drill and blast forum and the Metalliferous Industry Safety and Health Engagement Forum (MISHEF) will be held next week in Dubbo and online. Follow the links below for more information and to request an invitation:

• Underground drill and blast forum - 7 June 2022, Dubbo and online
• MISHEF - 8 June, Dubbo and online

MESS 2022 - Early bird tickets closing 

Individuals keen to take advantage of the early bird price for the Mechanical Engineering Safety Seminar (MESS) to be held on 10 - 11 August, 2022 at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth have until this Friday 3 June, 2022 to act!

Early bird tickets include the 2-day seminar and dinner on the 10 August, 2022. Limited tickets available.

Call for speakers closing date extended

We are seeking expressions of interest from enthusiastic and experienced presenters to be part of our Electrical Engineering Safety Seminar on 9 and 10 November 2022 at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, Sydney NSW.

This is an excellent opportunity for individuals to share their experience, insights and learnings with the NSW mining industry.

Quarterly safety report released for January to March 2022 

The quarterly safety report for January to March 2022 has been released to better inform industry when reviewing safety management systems and undertaking risk assessments at their sites. The report details incidents and trends relating to hazard management, in addition to sector specific information.

In the January to March 2022 period, total incident notifications received by principal hazard were down (from 178 to 161). This figure represents a 13% reduction from the quarterly average (185) recorded for the previous 4 quarters.

Air monitor detects silica dust in real-time

The NSW Government’s Centre for Work Health and Safety has announced the creation of an air monitor that can detect and monitor silica dust in real-time.   

The new detector is an initiative of the NSW Dust Strategy 2020-22 to tackle dust diseases, that include silicosis and asbestosis.  
 
The Government invested $1.3 million over three years to support the research and development needed to bring the Air XS to market. 
 
The device provides an alert when silica levels are high allowing workers, safety representatives and managers to respond instantly to changing levels of dangerous particulates. Previously the only way to know if workers were exposed to dangerous levels of silica was to send air samples to a lab and wait for days or sometimes even weeks for results.   

More about worker safety and silica hazards:  

• Silica dashboard 
• NSW Dust Strategy 2020-22
• Code of Practice – Managing the risks of respirable crystalline silica from engineered stone in the workplace   

In case you missed it...

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

• New standard conditions on mining leases
• Targeted intervention campaign for vehicle safety