NSW Minerals Council Occupational Health & Safety Innovation Awards 2008
The annual NSW Minerals Industry Occupational Health and Safety Innovation Awards recognise the world-leading talents of the NSW minerals industry in finding solutions to OHS challenges. The winners are selected from a field of 10 finalists, which had been short listed from 35 entries throughout the NSW minerals industry. The quality of the 10 finalists was outstanding and reflects the ability of the people within our industry to bend their minds to overcome potential or real hazards in the workplace. Each finalist presented to a full house of more than 440 delegates at the annual NSW Minerals Industry Occupational Health and Safety Conference in Leura in May and the winners were announced at the Conference’s gala dinner.
And the winners are……
Winner
The Winner of the Innovation Awards was “The Jack” – Self-Locking Heavy Equipment Jack, designed by the engineering and maintenance teams at Mount Thorley Warkworth Coal Mine. This combination Jack and support stand removes the need for workers to be under machines to position supports when moving heavy equipment. This innovation has wide application across a range of industries; addresses manual handling; is efficient – turning two processes into one; and will unclutter workshops.
Winners: Wayne Nealon, Myles Huntely, Dr Nikki Williams, Warrick Gloucester
Rio Tinto Coal Australia, Mount Warkworth Thorley
People’s Choice Award
The People’s Choice Award, voted by the conference delegates, went to the “Vent Safe” Sliding Door, designed by Centennial Coal, Springvale. This innovation eliminates injuries and near misses caused by the difficulty of opening hinged doors when they are under high pressure.
People's Choice: Terry O'brien, Jim Johnson, Mark Seckold, Stephen Field
Centennial Coal, Springvale
Highly Commended
This year’s highly commended award went to the Positive Pressure Chamber, designed by Austar Mines. This is a world first positive pressure chamber which eliminates the fatal risks of spontaneous combustion in underground mines.
Highly Commended: John Brady, Sharif Burra, Dr Nikki Williams
Austar Coal Mine
Commended
Centennial Coal’s Mandalong Mine was commended for its development of a magnetic mesh locator which eliminates common safety incidents associated with installing mesh to secure mine roofs.
Commended: Byron McIlveen
Centennial Coal, Manadalong
Safety Innovation Awards criteria
For the purpose of these Awards “innovation” is broadly defined as an original solution to a specific OH&S problem or issue. For example, eligible innovations may include:
All NSW mining, quarry and minerals exploration and processing companies are eligible to enter. As in previous years the primary award will be the Industry Innovation Award. This award recognizes the vital role that innovation at a site level makes to safety and health improvement in this industry.