Management of contractors and contractors’ obligations

Mine Type

Coal mine - underground

Incident

After observing and talking with employees of a major contractor preparing to splice a joint on a longwall conveyor belt, a group of mines inspectors raised concerns regarding:

• the inappropriate methods of conveying and on-the-job storage of hazardous chemicals
• the lack of awareness of the appropriate personal protective equipment necessary, as well as this protective equipment not being available
• the contractor supervisor being unaware if he was appointed by the site senior executive, and also unaware of the management systems and plans applicable to the task at hand
• the general sub-standard housekeeping in the area
• electrical apparatus not appropriately secured, nor sockets protected from dust and moisture ingress
• water laying in one corner near electrical apparatus
• float coal dust present in the cut through.

Equipment

Hazardous chemicals, electrical switchgear.

Hazard

The hazards include inappropriate handling, storage and use of hazardous chemicals, electrical apparatus subjected to dust and moisture ingress, and lack of compliance with the standard for incombustible content of roadway dust.

Cause

Poor contractor management and supervision by the mine, and poor management and supervision by the major contractor.

Comments and recommendations

The incident demonstrated significant deficiencies on the part of both the contractor and the mine's Safety and Health Management System. It should be noted that in March 2007 the then Chief Inspector of Coal Mines issued the following Directive to all coal mines:

'I hereby direct that at all coal mines where contract labour is employed, the management structure required under section 55 of the Coal Mining Safety and Health Act 1999 is to include sufficient senior positions that are appointed and competent to regularly monitor or have monitored:

1. the familiarisation and training of the contractor workers in implementing the relevant parts of the mine's Safety and Health Management System
2. machinery and plant used by contractors as being fit for purpose
3. compliance with the relevant parts of the mine's Safety and Health Management System.

Particular attention should be given to ensure compliance with this directive in the event of persons being temporarily appointed due to the absence of the appointed senior person.'

Attention is drawn to the Coal Mining Safety and Health Act, section 43 Obligations of Contractors:
'A contractor at a coal mine has the obligation to ensure, to the extent that they relate to the work undertaken by the contractor, that provisions of this Act and any applicable safety and health management system are complied with'.

• Coal mines must ensure continuing compliance with the above Chief Inspector of Coal Mines' Directive and ensure that effective monitoring is taking place.
• Ensure that all relevant statutory officials and supervisors play their part in monitoring and maintaining standards in relation to contractor activities.

Authorised by Gavin Taylor - Chief Inspector of Coal Mines

Contact: minesafetyandhealth@dnrm.qld.gov.au

Issued by Queensland Department of Mines and Energy