Following the NSW Workplace Safety Summit in 2005, the NSW Government committed the NSW mining industry to reducing the incidence of musculoskeletal injuries by at least 40 per cent by 30 June 2012.
As part of the strategy to prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the mining industry, the NSW Mine Safety Advisory Council (MSAC) commissioned an independent consultant to conduct a mail survey of NSW mines and quarries, to determine:
- musculoskeletal blackspots and potential solutions
- the enablers and barriers to improvement in the prevention of musculoskeletal injury,
- and to assist in the development of strategies to prevent MSDs in the mining industry
The project was undertaken in May 2009 by workedWELL and requested respondents to focus on data during the previous 12 months.
A mail survey was sent to 971 mine sites in NSW. Non-responsive sites were followed-up by phone interview. Twenty seven per cent f mines surveyed responded.
Two-thirds of survey responses came from small sites (those employing less than 20 people). Quarries represented approximately half the sites responding, with both production managers and business owners comprising the majority of responders.
While there are some notable differences between the sectors, the key findings from the survey include:
- 60% of sites surveyed reported no injuries (more common in smaller employers of non-coal sectors)
- Sprains and strains were the most common type of MSD injury, followed by injuries from slips, trips and falls
- Slips and falls were not necessarily on the same level – injuries commonly occurred descending vehicles and equipment
- The back was the most common site affected, although in different proportions depending on the sector
- For metalliferous and extractive mines, upper and lower limb injuries equalled back injuries
- Lifting and handling loads was attributed to causing the majority of injuries
- Servicing equipment was a factor in all sectors
- Vibration was not considered a problem in any sector, although ‘rough rides’ was mentioned as a cause of injuryCommon
For more information email mine.safety@industry.nsw.gov.au
Add a comment