Can Improvements in Design of Mobile Plant Improve Safety Outcomes in the Mining Sector

Regulators continue to review legislation through out the country. The Victorian Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004, Section 28 was reviewed due to continued elements of design featuring in accidents. The new legislation has increased penalties fourfold for manufacturers, suppliers, construction and designers. The new penalties came into force in July 2006 and now carries the same penalties for employers-$1m. Queensland mining legislators are currently reviewing its penalties provisions. The mining industry is no exception to these problems in design related incidents and accidents where large materials handling equipment is required in the mining industry could result in indiscriminate death of employees. Mining equipment manufactures now realise that the needs of people must be incorporated in the life cycle of mining equipment, both operationally and from a maintenance point of view. Australia’s major mining states have enshrined rigorous risk management techniques for all major hazards. They are inclusive of a facility description, safety management system and risk management analysis with associated controls. Greater employee involvement at the design stages for such equipment is thought to provide the key to improve safety in the mining sector but is not enshrined in the new legislation. Given the enormous resources and effort by the industry and regulators over the past decade to improve safety in the mining industry, can improvements in mining equipment design approach assist in the elimination of death, injury and illness in the mining industry