All the latest news in mine health and safety in NSW

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13 December 2018

In this issue:

Death of worker at open cut coal mine
Holiday season arrangements
2019 Certificates of Competence and Examination Calendar
Media Releases
Prosecution summaries
SafeWork NSW video Safety Alert

Death of worker at open cut coal mine

A worker was driving an articulated dump truck as part of rehabilitation activities at Glendell Mine in the NSW Hunter Valley on January 17, 2018.

After being loaded with topsoil, the dump truck was seen to veer off the haul road and come to a stop about 250 metres away. The driver was found unresponsive and died despite the efforts of his co-workers and ambulance officers to resuscitate him.

The Resources Regulator has conducted an investigation into the circumstances of the worker's death. To read the full report visit our website or download a copy of the report below.

IIR18-13 Truck driver dies at open cut mine

Contacting the Resources Regulator during the holiday season

As the end of 2018 is fast approaching, the NSW Resources Regulator wants to remind you to put safety first in the busy lead-up to Christmas to prevent workplace fatalities.

We will be closed for normal business services over the holiday period from 5pm Friday 21 December and will reopen on Monday 7 January 2019.

Critical compliance and enforcement activities will still be undertaken during this period and safety incidents should continue to be reported by calling 1300 814 609 or via our online portal.

Mining Competency Team

Any enquiries about matters relating to certification should be sent to the Mining Competence Team as soon as possible.

Individuals who are seeking mutual recognition of their interstate certificates to practise in NSW WHS statutory functions at mines should contact the Mining Competence Team for timely processing.

Individuals who have submitted an application for recognition of their certificate of competence by 14 December 2018 should be issued with a practising certificate by Friday 21 December 2018.

2019 Certificates of competence and new year examination calendar

The certificates of competence examination and briefing sessions calendar has been issued and is available on our website. Check the calendar to ensure there is enough time to submit a complete application.

Application forms for examinations and statutory function certificates can be accessed from this link. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted after the closing dates.

Examination briefing sessions will be conducted for each certificate type. Candidates are asked to register to attend at least one month before the briefing session date. Briefing sessions will focus on relevant matters including prerequisites (emergency preparedness and response units of competence are required). Note that the first aid unit is no longer required.

More information on certificates of competence can be found on our website or by emailing minesafety.competence@planning.nsw.gov.au or calling 4063 6461.

Media releases

The following media releases have been distributed during the week starting 3 December 2018.

New Mine Safety Advisory Council Chair

Heavy fine for Newcrest Mining Ltd over Cadia mine death

NSW Quarry Services convicted and fined for breaching WHS laws

Prosecution summaries updated

The NSW Resources Regulator is responsible for prosecuting breaches of the Mining Act 1992 and the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, and the Regulations made under each Act.

Summaries of all finalised prosecutions will be updated on the completion of each matter. For the most recent summary visit our website.

New design orders published

The following design orders have been gazetted and are available on our website:

Booster fans

Breathing apparatus

Shotfiring apparatus

Explosive power tools

Conveyor belting

Exposure risks highlighted

Airborne contaminants are generated during mining activities and can be a risk to health if not properly managed.

The Resources Regulator has developed information for industry including a fact sheet and a guide to developing an airborne contaminants principal hazard management plan and also a safety information booklet about exposure to dust generated by mining and quarrying activities.

SafeWork NSW has recently developed more informative materials including a general fact sheet and a technical fact sheet, as well as a Safety Alert video on how to work safely with crystalline silica. Crystalline silica (quartz) is a naturally occurring mineral found in most rocks, stone, sand and clay. It is also found in bricks, concrete, tile and manufactured stone. According to SafeWork NSW, a priority list of 100 chemicals based on national and international research has been developed, in which crystalline silica ranked the second highest priority.

View SafeWork NSW's Safety Alert video below:

Safety Alert Video from SafeWork NSW

Further contact info:
Resources Regulator | Phone: 1300 814 609
mine.safety@planning.nsw.gov.au

Regional NSW, Resources Regulator

516 High St

Maitland, New South Wales 2320

Australia

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