|
|
|
|
We understand that for some people Christmas can be a tough time of year. It can be a time of excess and induce a rise in mental health issues, especially for FIFO mine workers and those working at remote mine sites. Protecting the health and safety of mining employees, contractors and communities is fundamental during the Christmas and New Year period.
Our ‘Be safe at work’ safety campaign continues as we enter the festive season, with our focus on ‘Be safe this Christmas season’ covering the topics of drugs and alcohol, fatigue, heat and mental health.
I am seeking your continued support and commitment to share safety messages with your workforce during toolbox talks, safety moments and pre-start meetings this month and into the new year, to deliver on our vision of a ‘Safe and responsible mining, extractive and petroleum industry.’ We have compiled guidance material and useful links related to these topics on our website. I encourage you to review and utilise these resources and to inform your workforce of their availability.
I thank you in advance for your commitment in helping to achieve this outcome. Should you have any questions or wish to discuss further, please email me on chiefinspector@planning.nsw.gov.au or call (02) 4063 6430.
On behalf of the team at the NSW Resources Regulator, I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy new year.
Yours sincerely
Garvin Burns
Chief Inspector of Mines
|
|
Amendments to Work Health and Safety (Mines and Petroleum Sites) Regulation 2014
The Work Health and Safety (Mines and Petroleum Sites) Amendment Regulation 2019 was made on 18 December 2020 under the Work Health and Safety (Mines and Petroleum Sites) Act 2013.
The Amendment Regulation commences on 1 February 2020 and will amend the Work Health and Safety (Mines and Petroleum Sites) Regulation 2014 to address work health and safety issues, reduce regulatory burden and ensure the policy intent of the legislation is achieved.
|
|
Class exemption for new exposure standard
A class exemption has been made that exempts mines and petroleum sites from having to comply with the new respirable crystalline silica exposure standard of 0.05mg/m3 in the revised Workplace exposure standards for airborne contaminants (WESFAC).
Safe Work Australia has republished WESFAC with the new respirable crystalline silica exposure standard. The republished WESFAC applies in NSW under clause 5 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017.
|
|
|
Release 9 open for public comment
Safe Work Australia is evaluating the Workplace exposure standards for airborne contaminants to ensure they are based on the highest quality evidence and supported by a rigorous scientific approach.
Release 9 is now open for public comment. Please note that this release includes chemicals that were deferred from previous releases, as well as chemicals that do not currently have an Australian workplace exposure standard.
Public comment will close on 3 January 2020.
|
|
|
From 1 January 2020, SafeWork NSW will not require a reference from the Regulator from individuals applying for a mining blasting explosives user licence (BEUL). As such, from that date, we will no longer accept requests for BEUL reference letters.
Individuals can apply for a reference to be issued by the Regulator under the current requirements until 31 December 2019. In this instance, SafeWork NSW will process applications with a reference, under the existing requirements, up to 31 March 2020.
For information on proposed new requirements to obtain a BEUL from 1 January 2020 (without a reference), please visit the SafeWork website.
|
|
Contacting competencies and authorisations
New email address
We have set up a new email address for all competencies (certificates of competence and practising certificates) and authorisations (plant registrations, licences, training course approvals, mine survey plans) enquiries and applications: mca@planning.nsw.gov.au
You can continue to phone us on 1300 814 609 (Select option 2 then option 2 again for Authorisations or option 3 for competencies).
New payment system
A new third-party payment system has been established to receive payments for competence and authorisation-related applications. Applicants must refer to the relevant application form for details on how to make a payment in the new system.
|
|
2019 safety seminar presentations available
2019 saw experienced and enthusiastic presenters come together to present and discuss topics at our prestigious annual safety seminars, including the inaugural Mining Engineering Managers Safety Seminar.
The seminars focused on safety and health issues in mines and provided a means for collective communication, discussion, and consultation of these issues..
The presentations from the 2019 seminars are now available to view on our website.
|
|
Latest Investigation information releases
We issue investigation information releases (IIRs) on particular incidents such as fatalities or serious bodily injuries. Information releases are designed to draw attention to the occurrence of a serious incident in the mining industry and are issued at the preliminary stages of an investigation.
Please use the links below to view the latest IIRs:
|
|
Latest examiners' reports now available
Browse the latest examiners' reports by selecting the applicable statutory function links below:
|
|
New report on work-related musculoskeletal disorders
Safe Work Australia has published a new report on work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
The Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Australia (WMSDs) report provides a comprehensive and authoritative resource on WMSDs.
WMSDs are the most common type of work-related injury in Australia, accounting for 55 percent of all serious workers’ compensation claims in 2015-16.
The report outlines current knowledge of WMSD hazards and risk factors, including psychosocial hazards, statistics on incidence and impact, and a review of workplace interventions in Australia and internationally.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
