Risk management pocket guide release

A new kit to assist small mines and quarries improve safety and develop effective risk management systems is now available from the NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI).

The Risk Management Pocket Guide assists small mines and quarries address the three main steps to managing risks: identifying hazards, assessing risks and choosing the best controls for those risks.

The kit is produced in three parts including a pocket book designed to fit into a shirt pocket for everyday on-the-job use, a more detailed guide and a training CD.

“This kit has been produced as a direct result of the Wran Mine Safety Review, specifically Recommendation 31 that NSW DPI be encouraged to develop and implement more strategic initiatives for small mine safety” he said

NSW Department of Primary Industries Director Mine Safety Operations, Rob Regan said the step-by-step plain language kit provides some simple systems and daily prompts for people working in small mines and quarries.

“It will help develop their understanding and experience of working safely by encouraging the daily discipline of managing safety risks.”

“Risk management is a vital part of having a safety system with programs for improving health and safety” said Mr Regan.

“The law requires risks to be managed and imposes a duty on everyone to take action”.

The kit includes a hazard reporting and feedback notebook and hazard management process prompt cards to remind workers of common hazards they may encounter in day-to-day operations.

As part of the kit there is also a 44-page practical guide “Risk Management Pocket Guide: a memory jogger for people on the job in the mining and quarrying industry, especially in smaller operations” and a CD training presentation kit with notes used in the Refining Your Safety Management Plan workshops. These workshops have been held throughout NSW in conjunction with the Institute of Quarrying Australia and to date more than 270 people have attended.

The kit was developed by NSW DPI Mine Safety Operations officers with the assistance of Mine Resilience [Australia] Pty Ltd and the Institute of Quarrying Australia.

Kits can be obtained from the NSW DPI customer service branch by phoning 02 4931 6666 or through the website at http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/minerals/safety/publications