Miners innovate to manage risk at annual awards night

Innovations to manage risk and improve health and safety at NSW mine sites have once again proved the State’s industry is truly world class, NSW Minerals Council Stephen Galilee said today.
 

Miners from the State’s Hunter, Illawarra and Western NSW regions took out the coveted Innovation Awards on offer at the annual NSW Mining Health and Safety Conference in the Hunter, attended by over 450 industry employees.
 

The three Winners for 2013 are as follows:
 

Innovation Award

BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal, Dendrobium Mine (near Mt Kembla) 

“Keeping Control of Roof Bolter Gripper Jaws”

Mine site employees proactively developed this new safety device to replace standard fittings with fit-for-purpose equipment, to prevent potential injuries to hands and body.

Highly Commended

Rio Tinto Northparkes Mines (Western NSW, near Parkes) 
“RIC -Robotic Idler Changer”

Two robotic arms change conveyer belt parts, eliminating manual handling injuries while the conveyor belt is moving and therefore removing people from a risky environment.
 

Highly Commended and People’s Choice Award (as voted by delegates)

Centennial Coal, Myuna Colliery (Lower Hunter / Lake Macquarie)

“Sky Hook”

Developed by a passionate group of mine workers, this cable hook eliminates manual handling injuries for this common and repetitive task of handling underground cables.
 

Mr Galilee said that NSW Mining is a world class industry with world class NSW Miners continuing to innovate, share ideas, and develop new ways to increase safety and manage risk.
 

“Our annual awards encourage the many talented people across our industry to identify health and safety improvements onsite and create innovative solutions,” Mr Galilee said.
 

“It’s important to recognise our high achievers and share leading technology and techniques to manage risk and keep improving on our world class safety performance.”