|
|
|
Member companies of the NSWMC are committed to achieving excellence in Occupational Health and Safety and share the following safety and health vision and beliefs:
|
|
A New South Wales minerals industry free of fatalities, injuries and diseases.
- All fatalities, injuries and diseases are preventable
- Every task, however urgent or important, can be done safe
- All hazards can be identified and their risks managed
- Everyone has a personal responsibility for the safety and health of themselves and others
- Safety and health performance can always be improved
|
|
|
The minerals industry in NSW has a simple approach to safety – it is the number one priority. The industry is committed to zero harm. This commitment is supported by the substantial and sustained improvement in the level of safety throughout the operations of all companies across NSW. The rate of workplace injuries and fatalities in the NSW minerals industry has been continually falling since the late 1970s. Since the 1970s, the fatality rate in the NSW coal sector has decreased by 89% and the LTIFR (Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate) has decreased by 92% (Galvin 2005). This is a direct result of significant contributions from all major stakeholders: mining companies; their contractors and suppliers; trade unions; governments; industry associations; and most of all the concerted efforts of those working in the mines themselves.
Managing and controlling the risks associated with the exploration, extraction, processing and transport of minerals is a continuing challenge for the minerals industry. It requires comprehensive, disciplined management systems and commitment by all stakeholders.
|
|
|
The New South Wales mining sector has grown into a highly efficient, technologically advanced industry. Some examples of safety innovations include a hazard management system, which predicts methane gas in coal seams for effective gas control and development of advanced automated underground mine vehicles.
New South Wales has also pioneered a new virtual reality safety training system that allows mine workers to practice in a simulated mine environment.
Safety for mine workers is very important to the Australian community and is one of the highest priorities for our industry. Australia boasts the best mine safety record in the world. The industry’s goal is to achieve zero harm in every work site through continuous improvement, intensive training of our workers and managers, introducing advanced work practices and new technology.
Some recent areas of reform in New South Wales include hours of work, fatigue management, hazard exposure, monitoring, hazard reporting and workforce participation in the development of safety management systems.
|
|
|
The NSW Minerals Council's Occupational Health and Safety Conference is the benchmark industry event for OHS in Australia. The conference attracts more than 500 delegates from all levels of the minerals industry workforce, major product suppliers, contractors and representatives from government, industry groups and unions. It is the major conference for the State’s $23 billion minerals industry. The Conference is run for the industry by the industry.
NSWMC undertakes an annual Call for Papers seeking contributions from industry, government, academia, consultants and service providers to present their ideas and views to the Conference.
NSWMC’s Occupational Health and Safety Innovation Awards are held as part of the industry’s annual OHS Conference and focus on acknowledging and rewarding individuals, teams and companies that make significant contributions to OHS innovation and practice. Nominations must show commitment to health and safety in the minerals industry through creative and proven solutions to OHS issues.
Link to 2010 Innovation Award Winners and Finalists
The OHS Regional Forums are an opportunity to showcase highlights from NSWMC’s Annual OHS Conference to the industry in their “backyard”. It is usually a one day forum, making it more accessible to the mining workforce who are not able to participate in the longer three-day event.
Other key initiatives to deliver safe mining to the industry include:
- Promoting the development of more effective occupational health and safety legislation, including the implementation of the Digging Deeper Report released in November 2007 and the Wran Mine Safety Review released in April 2005
- Identifying and promoting best practice in health and safety management systems and the control of specific hazards
- Developing a culture of safety leadership in the industry and supporting initiatives which foster genuine ownership of safety management throughout each company
- Promoting discussion, debate and dialogue between all stakeholders
Other Related Organisations
The NSW Minerals Council is an active member or participant of a number of organisations looking at ways to improve miner’s health & safety. These include: Mine Safety Advisory Council, Coal Safety Advisory Council, Coal Competence Board, Mines Rescue Working Party, Standing Dust Committee, ACARP, MCA OHS Committee and Metalliferous Industry Safety Advisory Committee.
Link to information regarding OHS Contractor Management and relevant courses
|
|
|