News & Updates

Putting Contractor Safety First: A Must in Mining Environments

Contractors are an indispensable resource in the mining industry, ensuring operations run smoothly, on time, on budget, and without incident. However, the temporary nature of their roles and varying experience levels can create unique safety challenges. Keeping contractors safe is a shared responsibility between mining companies and the contractors themselves. By focusing on contractor safety, including data-driven approaches, everyone can contribute to a safer working environment. This dedication to safety not only protects lives but also boosts efficiency and maintains the mining sector's reputation.

As a contractor, you play a critical role in this safety ecosystem. Understanding your responsibilities and how they intersect with those of the mining companies can significantly impact your safety and the safety of those around you. Here are some essential practices you should be aware of to ensure a safe working environment.

Prequalify and Prepare Yourself

Before you step foot on a mine site, make sure you're fully prepared. Companies will evaluate your qualifications thoroughly, but you also need to:

• Maintain detailed health and safety records.
• Have a robust safety management system in place.
• Ensure your insurance is up to date.
• Keep a strong safety performance history.

While it might seem like extra effort, having a solid safety record reduces risks on-site and makes you a more attractive hire.

Embrace Comprehensive Safety Training

Once hired, take advantage of the safety training and orientation provided by the mining company. This training will help you understand the specific hazards and risks of your job and the safety protocols you need to follow. Key training topics you should focus on include:

• Handling Explosives: Only perform this task if you have the necessary experience and training.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always use the required PPE like head protection, cap lamps, face shields, hearing protection, respiratory gear, and harnesses.
• Noise Exposure: Protect your hearing by following guidelines to minimise prolonged noise exposure.
• Managing Vibration: Be aware of the risks of whole-body vibration, which can cause various injuries.
• Preventing Musculoskeletal Injuries (MSDs): Practice safe methods for heavy lifting, carrying, shoveling, climbing, crawling, and drilling to avoid slips, trips, and falls.

Participate in Job Hazard Analysis

A job hazard analysis is crucial for identifying and evaluating the potential hazards and risks associated with your work. Engage actively in this process to ensure you:

• Understand the primary mining risks.
• Know how these risks interact with other dangers.
• Contribute to the analysis strategy to pinpoint hazards.
• Document the hazard analysis effectively.
• Follow the necessary precautions to manage health and safety risks.

Engage in Regular Safety Inspections

Regular safety inspections help ensure that everyone is complying with safety protocols and procedures. Participate actively by:

• Cooperating fully with inspectors.
• Keeping your paperwork and certifications up to date.
• Following all safety regulations.
• Operating equipment safely and adhering to site rules.

Monitor Your Safety Performance

Continuously monitor your own safety performance and address any issues of non-compliance immediately. Focus on:

• Following incident prevention procedures.
• Taking responsibility for health and safety management.
• Participating in required training.
• Striving for continuous improvement.
• Ensuring performance reports are accurate and up to date.

As a contractor in the mining industry, you're in a unique position to help create a safer working environment. By taking these practical steps and working closely with mining companies, you’ll increase the likelihood that you and your coworkers return home safely each day.

A final word

Effective collaboration between contractors and their respective mining companies is crucial. Encouraging the use and leveraging of advanced risk management technology tailored to specific site needs can further enhance safety measures, ensuring comprehensive protection for all workers in the mining industry. Your commitment to safety not only safeguards lives but also contributes greatly towards operational efficiencies and upholds the industry's reputation.