Mine workers have been recognised for their innovations to help improve safety on Queensland (Australia) mine sites. BMA Coal’s Gregory Crinum mine took the 2009 Queensland Mining Industry Health and Safety Innovations Award for a safety guard to prevent falls onto exposed longwall miner conveyor belts. And, in a clean sweep, BMA’s Saraji mine won the people’s choice awards for its feeder blockage removal device. The device enables blockages under coal stockpile feeders to be cleared remotely, taking workers out of harm’s way.

A highly commended award went to Anglo Coal Australia’s Dawson mine for a work platform that provides better access to the CAT 797 haul trucks to enable maintenance to be carried out more safely.

Scientist and science broadcaster Dr Karl Kruszelnicki chaired the judging session where 10 finalists presented their innovations to a panel of judges, and an audience of mine workers who voted for the people’s choice award. There were 44 entries in this year’s awards.

The Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy Stephen Robertson presented the awards at the Queensland Mining Industry Health and Safety Conference, which has been in session since August 23 and finished today. About 600 people converged on Townsville for the conference. The conference is hosted jointly by the Queensland Government, the Queensland Resources Council and mining unions the CFMEU and AWU.

Other finalists:

• New Hope Coal Australia – West Moreton project: Remote emergency shutdown of hydraulic excavator
• BMA – Goonyella Riverside mine: Dipper trip system improvement project
• Rio Tinto Alcan: Apron feeder locking tool
• New Hope Coal Australia – West Moreton project: Water reserve in water truck/fire fighting appliance
• MMG Century mine: Joystick test module
• Private entry: Sam Lichos AURT572593A Analyse and evaluate brake faults on wheeled mobile plant
• Xstrata Copper – Mount Isa mines: Hydraulic semi-automatic chain control system

For more information: www.qrc.org.au