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The indicative total industry Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) for the first nine months of 2003-04 is estimated at six; underground coal recorded a figure of 19, up on the 15 for the nine months last year.
While the LTIFR for underground metalliferous, total metalliferous, open-cut coal and total coal improved marginally, open-cut metalliferous and underground coal deteriorated.
Forty-two severe injuries were reported for the third quarter, at the top end of the reported range in recent quarters. No loss of body parts was reported (a rare occurrence) and no loss of body function.
The severe injuries comprised: 26 fractures/breaks; 9 crush injuries; 6 burns; and 1 abdominal injury.
Total Recordable Injuries (TRIs) is another measure of injury rate, a voluntary report of all injuries except first aid cases.
The minerals industry reported a total of 1169 TRIs for the third quarter, which equates to an indicative TRIFR of 27. Underground coal was again well above the average on 68.
MCA calculates 78% coverage of the Australian minerals industry in its survey.
In other news, MCA said it would announce the winner of the MINEX award for continuous improvement in safety and health. This year’s 10 applicant sites include only two coal mining operations: BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) Goonyella Riverside mine and the North Goonyella longwall mine of Peabody Energy.
This year’s MINEX Awards presentation dinner is being held in conjunction with the Queensland Mining Industry Health and Safety Conference, 15-17 August, in Townsville.
The conference program and registration is now available from the Queensland Resources Council website.
www.qrc.org.au/about/aboutconferences_safety.htm
