QUARRY & MINING

 Planning for extraction and excavations requires a good understanding of ground conditions, and determining ways in which potential ground failure could be avoided. A systematic approach to managing ground stability is very important. 

 A well designed and constructed dump or dam will have the lowest long-term and operational risk (e.g. structural failure). 

 Roads and other vehicle operating area can introduce significant hazards at an extractive site. However, a well-designed and maintained site will make workplace vehicle accidents less likely. 

 The use of explosives to break rock at a Mine or Quarry can be a hazardous process. This process must be managed to protect workers and the general public from the adverse consequences of blasting and the mishandling of explosives. With the correct control and management strategies in place, the potential for incidents is significantly reduced.

 To manage the risk of ground instability during excavation, operators need to have suitable procedures in place for excavation and the monitoring of slopes. 

 Instability or movement in dumps and stockpiles can cause serious harm. To minimise this risk, actively manage dumps and stockpiles, and to have robust procedures in place.

 Before any Water-Based Mining, it is important that a detailed risk assessment is carried out on the ground conditions (both above and beneath the waterline) to determine all factors likely to affect the stability of the ground and the limitations that should be imposed on the excavation design.

 Instability or failure of ponds and tailings dams can cause serious harm. Design, construct, operate and maintain ponds and tailing dams appropriately to prevent this harm.

 Any vehicle movement can pose significant risks at extractive sites, because of the size of the vehicles used and the working environment. 

 All sites use machinery and equipment in their day to day workplace activities. If the hazards associated with machinery are not safely managed, then serious injury and death can occur.

 You must ensure that workers are provided with adequate facilities including toilets, drinking water, washing and eating facilities. Suitable and sufficient numbers of facilities are needed to ensure the health and safety of everyone at the site. Facilities are those that are necessary for the well-being of your workers, such as washing, toilet, rest and changing facilities and somewhere clean to eat, drink and rest during breaks. 

 Consider ways in which working at the site may create a risk not only to workers but to the general public. 

Managing the health of workers is part of your WHS responsibility. Managing the health and wellbeing of your workers also pays dividends in terms of increased productivity, reduced sick leave, improved staff morale and loyalty.

Many falls from heights are caused by a failure to plan and organise work properly and not having fir-for-purpose equipment. Start by planning a safe approach.

Tasks such as maintenance, repairs, servicing, clearing blockages and cleaning can be dangerous. Workers can be fatally or seriously injured if they do not manage the risks carefully.

 An emergency occurs when there is an unexpected event that require urgent action to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of workers or other people. Every operation, whether covered by the Regulations or Act, must have an Emergency Plan.

You must provide opportunities for workers to participate effectively in processes to improve health and safety. Use a worker participation system to manage this process.

Everyone working at the site must be competent for the work they are required to do or be supervised by competent workers. They, and their managers, need to know the limits of their competence.