Wednesday 3rd March 2021

How mining companies can help reduce back injuries! 

Experts reveal how mining companies can mitigate human vibration exposure and reduce back injuries while their workers operate plant on rough terrain.

For 10 years, human vibration exposure has been identified as one of the top five health hazards at mine sites, both by the number of workers harmed and compensation figures.

Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists member Dustin Bennet said, 'the mining sector leapt forward in its management of human vibration exposure.'

This was shown by major mining companies implementing control programs to tackle vibration and noise on sites.

Engineering controls are still the best controls for vibration exposure. A new item of mobile plant does a better job at attenuating vibration than an ageing plant.

Advancements in vehicle suspension and cabin mounts have been significant in reducing the vibration of the worker. This ensures that vibrations and frequencies are mitigated before they reach the operator.

Regular monitoring of vibration levels throughout various conditions will help in identifying and understanding vibration exposure to workers.

For more information on this topic, head to the Safetowork website.

Rise in solar installation causes an increased focus on unsafe work sites. 

SafeWork NSW is putting the construction industry on notice over fall risks, as it's the number one killer on building sites. They visited more than 60 construction sites last week, issuing 96 notices, including eight on the spot fines, 16 prohibition and 72 improvement notices.

SafeWork NSW regional construction director Laurence Richey said, 'It was really disappointing to walk onto sites which have serious falls risks, as well as scaffolds with missing parts or evidence that unlicensed workers had altered or removed scaffolding components.'

In upcoming visits by SafeWork inspectors, Solar installers will be under particular focus. The regulator targeted the heightened risk associated with the solar boom, with over 90,000 installations last year.

Installing solar systems exposes workers to the risk of serious injury, including through falls from ladders, roofs and skylights, as well as electrical risks.

Solar installers face on-the-spot fines of up to $720 for individuals and $3,600 for businesses for not protecting workers from electrical risks and falls from height.

Further information on Solar Installation Safety can be found on the NSW SafeWork website