The mining, oil, and gas sectors in Australia are vital to the economy, with the mining industry alone contributing more than 10% of the country's GDP. Additionally, Australia is a major exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG), with LNG exports valued at over $30 billion annually.
Employing nearly 300,000 people directly and over 500,000 indirectly, these sectors are subject to stringent regulations, such as the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act, due to the hazardous nature of their work.
Navigating the WHS in the Mining Industry
Australia's Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws are designed to protect workers and others affected by work activities. These laws are implemented at both state and national levels, with each state and territory enacting its own WHS legislation based on a national model developed by Safe Work Australia. Most states and territories have adopted the model WHS laws, though there are variations in implementation and enforcement.
The mining industry is one of the most hazardous sectors, with significant risks associated with its operations. Ensuring compliance with WHS laws is not only a legal obligation but also critical to protecting the workforce and maintaining operational efficiency.
Let's explore how technology, specifically myTrack, can help companies ensure compliance and enhance safety across Australia.
How myTrack Delivers Value for the WHS
myTrack offers comprehensive solutions to streamline WHS compliance, helping companies across Australia meet their obligations efficiently. Here's how myTrack can help:
Stay Contract Compliant
Mining companies depend extensively on contractors for labour, equipment, and materials, with contract labor comprising two-thirds of the global metals and mining workforce. myTrack facilitates the automatic enforcement of contract terms, ensuring safety rules are followed and providing management with real-time visibility and actionable insights.
For instance, myTrack helps ensure that the required number of tradesman with specific skill levels are on site, reducing the risk of unqualified personnel performing hazardous tasks. By adhering to contract guidelines, companies can maintain safer working conditions.
Additionally, myTrack enables management to monitor work hours, preventing excessive overtime that can lead to fatigue-related accidents. This real-time oversight ensures contractors are not overworked, further promoting workplace safety.
Always Know Who Is Onsite
Integration with existing Access Control System (ACS) - By integrating with the existing site access control system (ACS), myTrack empowers site owners to always know which contractors are on site, how long they have been there for and if they are qualified to be there. This information is critical for helping to proactively manage safe site operations.
Safely managing contractors in remote areas - Track Anywhere Virtual Gate enables real-time tracking of contractor badge in/out events, even in remote locations. This virtual gate records GPS coordinates, informing owners about worksite activities and personnel locations. This ensures compliance with WHS emergency response protocols by keeping track of all personnel on site, including remote locations not covered by an existing access control system (ACS).
In an emergency, every second counts. The virtual gate can speed up evacuation, helping to save lives and avoid injuries. It also lets emergency personnel know when a site is vacated, vital information for handling the crisis effectively.
Compliance and Reporting
The WHS Act emphasizes rigorous reporting to demonstrate compliance, a process that is often burdensome for management. myTrack simplifies this by managing and tracking compliance data, ensuring that mining companies meet safety regulations and training requirements. All necessary information is stored and easily accessible, reducing the time and stress associated with compliance verification.
By making compliance straightforward, myTrack helps mining companies reduce the risk of accidents and legal issues, allowing them to focus on their core operations. The software provides a single location for all necessary information, ensuring that compliance with industry-specific safety regulations is easily managed and tracked.
Make Data-Driven Decisions
Well-maintained equipment and machinery are critical for a safe work environment. While maintenance costs can lead some mining companies to delay essential upkeep, such delays increase the risk of accidents.
myTrack offers a data-driven approach to track and analyze costs associated with contractors and projects. This assists in budget forecasting and ensures efficient allocation of financial resources. Comprehensive data allows for informed decisions regarding maintenance schedules, reducing accident risks and ensuring compliance with WHS requirements.
Proper maintenance ensures equipment performance and creates a safer work environment, just as WHS demands.
Take the Next Step with myTrack
The WHS Act helps protect mining industry employees and ensures the industry's sustainability across Australia.
myTrack aids mining companies in successfully implementing WHS and simplifying compliance, regardless of the specific requirements in each state or territory. By focusing on practical solutions and proactive management, myTrack enhances safety and operational efficiency.
