At risk workers
If you are a mine operator you need to take extra steps to ensure the safety of workers that are over represented in fatalities and injuries.
Every worker deserves support in the workplace to help them enjoy their work, reach their potential and stay safe. However, certain groups of workers within the mining industry are at greater risk of injury or developing a work-related illness.
These include:
- Young workers
- Inexperienced workers
- Culturally and linguistically diverse
- Contractors and labour hire workers
- Migrant workers
- Gender or sexual minorities.
Why these workers are at risk:
At-risk workers are often less familiar with the workplace environment, procedures or lack experience which increases their vulnerability. hey may also hesitate to raise concerns about safety issues, workplace systems, job conditions, bullying, harassment, or sexual and gender-based harassment for fear of jeopardizing their employment.
Mine operator responsibilities:
Mine operators must ensure that consultation, task risk assessments, control implementation, and training delivery all consider the specific needs of at-risk and vulnerable workers.
Recommended steps for mine operators to improve safety for at-risk workers:
- Understand workforce composition and engage directly with at-risk workers to identify on-the-job challenges.
- Tailor safety information and training to meet the specific needs of these workers.
- Increase supervision to provide additional support and oversight.
- Consider workplace or job redesign to reduce exposure to hazards.
- Ensure consistent safety messaging by allowing all workers to attend the same pre-start meetings within the mining operation.
To learn more about at risk workers, visit the SafeWork NSW website.
Sharing private medical information
Worker’s injury and treatment information can be sensitive in nature. The NSW Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) regulates how individuals’ personal information is handled.
Mine operators should be aware of their legislative obligations regarding sharing information about their workers, and subsequent treatment for injuries and illnesses.