The latest Safety and Health Snapshot has been released by the department.
| Date: | Friday, 18 May 2018 |
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Exploration health and safety data is the latest focus for the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety’s monthly safety and health snapshot.
Director Mines Safety Andrew Chaplyn said there were 17 serious injuries and one fatality in Western Australia’s mineral exploration industry in 2017.
“Drilling in any environment can be hazardous, but mineral exploration in remote locations, such as those found in Western Australia, presents additional risk factors,” Mr Chaplyn said.
“These factors include the risk of extreme weather events, accessibility difficulties and distance from emergency services.”
In 2017 there were a total of 1126 injuries and 2470 notifiable incidents reported to the department. Of these, 27 injuries and 77 notifiable incidents involved exploration operations.
“While exploration operations may only account for a small number of injuries and notifiable incidents, the risk factors associated with these operations can impact on the safety and health outcomes for workers,” Mr Chaplyn said.
“That’s why it is important exploration operations review their safe work practices and ensure the safety and health of workers is a priority.”
The department has also released the latest Quarterly Performance Snapshot covering the October to December 2017 period.
