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The invention, which provides a safer method of replacing dragline ropes, beat 10 finalists and 30 entrants to claim the top two awards.
Rio Tinto’s Hail Creek mine received a highly commended award for its load cells, which reduce the risks associated with changing ropes from dragline hoist drums.
Other finalists included BMA’s Norwich Park operation for its fall restraint which protects people working near excavation and in the open pit; Rio Tinto’s Tarong mine for a dozer track handrail system; and Thiess Contractors for its “smart” water truck.
The awards were part of the annual Queensland Mining Industry Health and Safety Conference, hosted by the Queensland Resources Council, the Department of Mines and Energy, the Australian Workers’ Union and the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union.
Conference committee chairman Stewart Bell said all entries shared a common objective of promoting innovation and safety in their operations.
“The submissions speak volumes for the innovative nature of mine employees and their determination to improve health and safety by coming up with inventive solutions when problems or potential problems are identified,” he said.
The awards were held in conjunction with the Minerals Council of Australia National Safety and Health Innovation Awards, where Thiess won the National Award for Safety and Health Innovation for 2007.
Thiess, one of Australasia’s largest construction, mining and services companies, won the award for its tyre handler protection arms which make changing large earthmover tyres safer for maintenance workers.
MCA assistant director of safety and health Megan Davison said the Thiess invention was a good example of the excellence and innovation required to achieve the goal of preventing workplace injuries.
“Thiess’ tyre handler protection arms innovation represents the essence of the innovation awards – recognition of a risk and development of simple and effective solutions developed in consultation with onsite personnel,” she said.
BMA Blackwater and BMA Norwich Park were awarded high commendations.
