The NSW Resources Regulator will kick off an intensive awareness campaign which will specifically target mine workers to address the risk of collisions involving heavy mining equipment.
The Resources Regulator’s Chief Inspector Garvin Burns said the Regulator was reaching out directly to workers to improve safety procedures around heavy mining equipment and light vehicles at mine sites.
Mr Burns said mine operators continued to introduce new technology, equipment upgrades and improvements to procedures and training.
“Near miss incidents involving vehicles have the potential to seriously injure or kill, due to the sheer size of the equipment typically involved,” Mr Burns said.
“With the cooperation of mine operators, teams of inspectors will be visiting 80 sites in eight days and addressing all shifts.
“We focus heavily on ensuring mine operators provide a safe work environment and will always do so, however this activity is focussed on reminding mine workers of the risk and that they also have an obligation to look after the safety of themselves and their workmates.
“We will be visiting all open cut coal mining operations in NSW and selected metalliferous operations between 3 May and 14 May.
“At the conclusion of the campaign, the Regulator will post a presentation to its website as a resource that can be accessed by mine workers at any time.”
