Electrical standards the focus for Coffs Harbour workshop

The NSW Department of Mineral Resources will hold a workshop in Coffs Harbour on the State's north coast tomorrow, to discuss the latest developments in protecting mine workers from the hazards of electricity, according to the Department's Director General Alan Coutts.

"Electricity plays a huge role in every aspect of today's mining industry," he said.

"It powers underground mining machines, drives giant above ground drag-lines and even runs the small jack hammers used in one-person opal mines.

"Today's mines could not operate without electricity but with its advantages come the hazards of potential electric shock or even electrocution".

The NSW Government has committed more than $17 million to protecting the mineworkers of NSW from safety hazards, including those posed by electricity.

Tomorrow's workshop is being held at the Readymix Boambee quarry just outside Coffs Harbour, with around 20 contractors and electrical operators and representatives from local quarries and small mines expected to attend the one-day seminar.

Topics to be discussed tomorrow include the prevention of electric shock along with the management of overhead powerlines.

A major focus will be on electrical contractors to ensure they are familiar with the issues peculiar to the mining industry.

"Reducing the risk of electrical accidents in our mines and quarries is an important part of protecting our workers," said Mr Coutts.

As a result of the Government's support there has been a major change in the way electrical hazards are now identified and controlled.

The Department of Mineral Resources has a specialist Mine Safety Division, which is responsible among other things for electrical safety in our mines.

The NSW Government has instigated mandatory reporting of all electric shock incidents - not just those causing injury or burns requiring first aid.