VOL. 3 NO. 1 FEBRUARY 2015 ISSN 2201-5604 ALARP ATTRACTS A CROWD AT INDUSTRY FORUM FOCUS ON EFFECTIVE SUPERVISION IN MINING OPERATIONS FLYING WITH LITHIUM BATTERIES – WHAT'S THE PROBLEM? Print post approved 100015887 IN THIS ISSUE ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 05 12 24 45 1 FROM THE EXECUTIVE LEGISLATIVE AND LEGAL 32 Focus on effective ENFORCEMENT AND DIRECTOR NEWS supervision in mining PROSECUTION ACTIONS operations 17 Safety legislation reform 57 Prosecutions DEPARTMENTAL NEWS – status report 34 Stay alert CORONER'S REPORT 2 Looking after the next 18 Input sought on 36 Promoting public safety generation explosives facility messages 60 Queensland Coroner 4 WA hosts international fee change 37 Don’t cut corners – use calls for better tyre standards meeting 19 Personal explosives the right tool management practices licence holders Crane operators warned DIVISIONAL NEWS 38 CRUNCHING THE NUMBERS encouraged to renew about side slopes 5 Videos lift off following security cards on time 62 WA's monthly onshore ELECTRICAL SAFETY launch 20 Department acts on petroleum workforce 6 MIAC update statutory review 40 Save lives – pay attention 63 WA's monthly mining 7 Safety Regulation System 21 The changing role of to electrical risks workforce – looking forward mines inspectors 42 FAQs on electrical 64 WA's mining workforce 8 Occupational health supervision at Western – percentage by SAFETY AND HEALTH stalwart retires Australian mining commodity CULTURE operations 65 WA's monthly mineral DIRECTOR'S CUT 22 Help is at hand exploration workforce INDUSTRY ACTIVITIES 9 Dangerous Goods and 66 Commodity prices and SAFETY ALERTS AND Petroleum Safety 44 Recognising innovation safety performance GUIDANCE 10 Mines safety 45 UWA centre takes on 68 Is safety performance 23 New guide to working safety challenges improving for WA mining 11 CALENDAR OF EVENTS safely at height 46 Importance of mine operations? underground rescue competitions EVENT NEWS 70 Unsafe design implicated 24 Ammonium nitrate on the in work-related fatalities 12 A decade of Mines Safety road – minimising the 47 2014 UNDERGROUND Roadshows explosion risk MINE EMERGENCY 71 SIGNIFICANT INCIDENT RESPONSE 27 Flying with lithium REPORTS AND SAFETY 14 Six pillars supporting safe COMPETITION transport of dangerous batteries – what’s the BULLETINS goods problem? 48 Shaky start and STAYING IN TOUCH 15 ALARP attracts a crowd 28 Sodium cyanide on the shrill finish road – how controlling 90 Thousands connecting at industry forum 52 THE MERC 2014 online with DMP 16 Sharing safety leadership toxicity hazards lowers Why bring emergency skills the risk 53 response to the city? 91 RESOURCES SAFETY CONTACTS Scan this QR code for past issues of MineSafe and Resources Safety Matters Resources Safety Matters vol. 3 no. 1 February 2015 IN THIS ISSUE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... s we turn to face the challenges that await us in 2015, it is also time to consider the events and experiences of 2014 that will have a lasting Aimpact. The resources sector in particular experienced some significant milestones during the past year that we will build upon as we strive forward. ........................................................................................... Firstly, a number of major construction projects transitioned into the commissioning and production stage of their development. This change has altered the various risk profiles and employment demographics found on these sites, offering us unique safety management challenges. The financial climate has also changed substantially, with commodity prices for iron ore, oil, gas and coal experiencing negative generational adjustments. We will all need to keep a watchful eye on any resultant operational changes to ensure that the focus on a strong safety culture is not lost as companies seek to tighten their belts. In a recent conversation with a key stakeholder, it was stated that during such periods of change the impacts on safety become evident after a period of three to four months as cost TYC savings are identified and implemented at the expense of safety. This means that any change of management processes require a very high level of diligence to prevent unforeseen adverse effects. The first half of the year will be a critical time Unfortunately, 2015 started with a work-related fatality at as these adjustments consolidate. Woodie Woodie manganese mine. The safety inspectorates will continue to engage proactively As the new year gets underway, I remind everyone to take with the industry, and seek to address issues that are a reality care – the decisions you make and actions you take can have in the workplace, in a manner that benefits all. far-reaching and unintended consequences. The development of a new legislative framework will be a major advance for the Western Australian resources sector, a process during which we are committed to a wide range of meaningful engagements with our stakeholders. This will be guided by the Ministerial Advisory Panel (MAP) and is expected to include a further two Regulation Impact Statements (RISs). The outcome of the initial Consultation RIS, which will define Simon Ridge the adopted legislative model, is expected to be finalised early Executive Director Resources Safety in the next few months. 16 February 2015 1 Resources Safety Matters vol. 3 no. 1 February 2015 DEPARTMENTAL NEWS ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... LOOKING AFTER THE NEXT GENERATION In January 2014, Michael Wolter joined the Resources unit (MPU) operators, Safety Division of the Department of Mines and Petroleum primed and loaded as a Graduate Officer in the field of dangerous goods safety. holes, and saw how Here he writes about his time in the Graduate Program. explosives and security risk substances are GRADUATES AT THE DEPARTMENT handled and managed on a daily basis. As well as experienced staff, some State Government departments recruit graduates for their respective graduate I also participated in an audit of mining operations at the programs. The Department of Mines and Petroleum’s Jimblebar, Eastern Ridge, Mt Whaleback, Yandi and Mining Graduate Program provides a structured career path Area C mines, using the BHP Billiton Iron Ore’s blasting over 18 months, focussing on training and activities that compliance document, which incorporates information accelerate personal and professional development. from applicable Australian Standards and regulations. This The program comprises six three-month rotations between document provides a central resource for workers on the participating divisions. External organisations may be ground to ensure they comply with legislation and follow included if the opportunity arises where placement is safe practice. beneficial to both parties. Participants are presented with fantastic opportunities to learn and develop their skills in I would like to thank BHP Billiton Iron Ore, in particular new and challenging environments. Patsy Mitchell (Manager Drill and Blast) and Derek Wilson (Officer Governance), for facilitating this opportunity and In 2014, collaboration between Resources Safety and providing guidance over the three months. This rotation BHP Billiton Iron Ore allowed me to spend one of the has highlighted the benefits of cooperative relationships three-month rotations gaining highly relevant industry between industry and the regulator, and having open lines experience. of communication. It has given me a greater appreciation At BHP Billiton Iron Ore, I joined the Integrated Operations of industry’s perspective. Mines team and worked with the Drill and Blast Department to further my practical understanding of dangerous goods By working together, we can ensure compliance with safety, particularly explosives. I spent time in the Perth regulations, and most importantly, a safe working office as well as on site. Activities ranged from hands-on environment for all personnel. I am looking forward to a time with a blast crew to attending forums with drill and second industry placement in 2015. blast supervisors and superintendents. To find out more about graduate opportunities While with the blast crew on site, I observed the delivery of in the Western Australian Public Sector, visit security risk substances, spent time with mobile processing www.gettingajob.dpc.wa.gov.au/GraduateOpportunities 2 Resources Safety Matters vol. 3 no. 1 February 2015 DEPARTMENTAL NEWS DEPARTMENTAL NEWS ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................