Latest safety snapshot now available

The department's snapshot looks at line-of-fire incidents
Date: Thursday, 25 January 2018

The latest instalment of the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety's (DMIRS) monthly safety and health snapshots focuses on line-of-fire incidents in the resources sector, and is now available from the department's website.

Mines Safety Director Andrew Chaplyn said there were 253 injuries and 120 notifiable incidents that involved line-of-fire scenarios between October 2016 and September 2017.

"Fatal and serious injuries can result when people are caught in the line-of-fire," Mr Chaplyn said.

"That is why it is important to understand where this could happen in your workplace."

Mr Chaplyn said many line-of-fire incidents are repeat situations where there are well-known precautions or controls that could prevent injuries.

"To avoid being caught in the line-of-fire you should adopt a 'known hazard and known precaution' approach," he said.

The monthly safety and health snapshots address key topics in the minerals sector that have been identified by the department as potential areas of concern.

The snapshots can be accessed and downloaded from DMIRS' website and can be used by employers and workers to assist in the development and promotion of safe work practices on mining operations.

The department also releases quarterly performance snapshots detailing injury and incident data.

The better use of data in driving decisions is a core element of the department's Towards 2020 regulatory strategy.