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Quarry seminar to address key health, safety issues

The New South Wales branch of the Institute of Quarrying Australia (IQA) will be hosting its annual NSW Quarrying and Small Mines Safety and Health Seminar on Tuesday, 17 May in Newcastle.

NSW branch chairman Jim Hankins told Quarry that the IQA, Cement Concrete and Aggregates Australia and the mine safety branch of the NSW Department of Industry’s Resources and Energy division had collaborated to develop a comprehensive program targeting key issues for the 2016 event.

“The organising committee has identified chain of custody and fatigue management as prominent issues facing the NSW industry – not only from a compliance perspective but also from an operations perspective,” Hankins said. “The safe use of telehandlers on-site, as well as tyres and high pressure have also been selected for specific focus as they are areas that have generally been poorly delegated.”

The seminar will include a presentation from NSW chief inspector of mines Gary Parker, who will provide an update on the mines safety department’s work and current focus, educational sessions from a NSW Roads and Maritime Services representative, and a demonstration of award-winning quarry safety technology. A special guest will also speak about how he recovered from a serious industrial accident, a story that Hankins described as “truly inspiring”.

The event is in its third year, and Hankins said previous seminars had attracted a broad range of quarry industry members, including regional general managers, operators, safety practitioners and maintenance personnel.

“This event provides a rare opportunity to bring safety and health into focus in a fashion that may not be possible at a local, site or corporate level,” he commented. “It’s a case of acknowledging there are areas that we could do better in as an industry – taking a proactive approach rather than a reactive one.

“It also provides valuable networking opportunities across the industry, as safety officers, operators and supervisory and management personnel – as well as department staff and inspectors – will be in attendance.”

Through their participation, attendees will be able to claim 6.75 points towards their continuing professional development.

For more information and to register, visit www.quarry.com.au

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