Qld mines urged to prioritise safety during storm season

Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) has urged mine sites to prepare for storm season and put the safety of workers first. Storm season runs from October to the end of April, and RSHQ is pushing for more precautions to be taken at worksites, with its Chief Operating Officer Rob Djukic observing that there have been issues in previous years with fabric building structures like igloos that aren’t capable of withstanding loads.

“They should never be considered a place of safety during severe weather events. Those structures need regular maintenance, but don’t just stop there. Make sure you’re assessing all site facilities deemed to be places of safety during severe weather events,” Djukic said.

RSHQ recommends that mine sites cease operations when lightning is detected within an appropriately determined distance from the worksite, with workers not to return to work until an “all clear” has been given. Vehicles should also be driven to a designated safety lay-down area, and operators of vehicles should be transported to a safe shelter away from the equipment. Lightning strikes have been known to cause tyre explosions at mine sites.

Image caption: Igloo storm damage. Image credit: Resources Safety and Health Queensland