Renewed focus on safety

Some disappointing safety results for April have led to calls for a renewed focus on safety across the business, in pursuit of our goal of zero injuries.

Managing Director Hubie van Dalsen said many recent injuries were a result of carelessness and complacency, and encouraged all employees to refocus.

“Achieving and sustaining our goal of zero injuries requires an ongoing, concerted effort by all of us,” Hubie said.

“Always complete a Take Five before attempting a task and look for ways to mitigate potential risks and dangers in your workplace, whether you are a new member of the team, or an experienced employee.

“Safety is not something we can afford to become complacent about. I encourage everyone across the business to strive for continuous improvement in this area.”

However, there have been some promising results, with four safety milestones celebrated in the first half of 2008:

• Bengalla – all injury free since December 2007
• Blair Athol Mine - 200 days lost time injury (LTI) free
• Clermont Mine - one year LTI free
• Coal & Allied apprentices - two years LTI free.

Bengalla General Manager Operations Andrea Sutton said: “Factors contributing to Bengalla’s great safety record this year have been the strong emphasis on safety interactions and Matesafe since the start of the year.

“We have also tried to maintain a focus on safety by recognising all employees’ performances in achieving this result.”

Blair Athol Mine General Manager Operations Andrew Cole said his site’s achievement was significant, but there was more work to do.

“We’ve kept this a quiet achievement because whilst significant, we have still had injuries in our workplace that have resulted in people needing medical attention, but not time off work,” Andrew said.

The mine is working towards zero injuries, and has recently started a programme to emphasise the danger of hand injuries.

At Clermont Mine, mining operations have commenced, and with more equipment and vehicles being used, employees and contractors are being reminded that a safe workplace requires constant vigilance.

Meanwhile, Coal & Allied’s Apprentice Management Committee chairman, Steve Flannery, said the apprentices in the Valley had done a great job of staying safe, despite heightened risk of injury due to inexperience.

“Coal & Allied’s apprentice induction programme now goes for five days and covers a range of safety topics, including standards and procedures, nutrition, drugs and alcohol and fatigue management,” Steve said.

“The apprentices’ achievement shows we can all be safer if we stop to think before we act, even if we are new to the job or in an unfamiliar environment.”

Pictured: Coal & Allied apprentices celebrated two years LTI free at a recent barbecue.

If you have a safety achievement to report, or a story about safety at your site, let us know by emailing mine.matters@riotinto.com