Tag: Work Safety

LEADING Caterpillar dealer WesTrac is reducing the need for personnel to work within the footprint of live equipment in up to 90% of common maintenance tasks. The Elimination of Live Work (ELW) project has involved WesTrac staff from across the business identifying technology, tools and work processes that can eliminate safety risks involved with people working in close proximity to live equipment. Initially introduced to WesTrac by a major mining client as part of ongoing safety improvement initiatives, the ELW project has gained industry-wide focus. WesTrac’s Newman Branch Manager James Davey said the aim of the project, which involves a range of mining-focused Original Equipment Manufacturers and service teams, was to eliminate significant risk factors associated with working on heavy...

A 33-YEAR old mine worker became trapped in machinery and suffered critical injuries at the Curragh Coal mine in Northern Queensland yesterday, putting mining safety back into the spotlight. This is the eighth death in two years in the Queensland mining sector. Emergency crew were called in but were unable to save the worker. Queensland Mines Inspectorate and the CFMEU were in attendance on site and operations will be suspended while the investigation takes place. Condolences were offered to the man’s family by all parties concerned, including acting Mines Minister Mark Ryan and industry lobby group Queensland Resources Council. It has been reported that the mineworker was employed by CIMIC Thiess, a contractor at Curragh for 16 years. The mine...