Updating "Reducing Injury Risks Associated with Underground Coal Mining Equipment"

The project updates the research undertaken in project C14016 (2005-2006). The objectives are:

· To improve understanding of the causes of injuries associated with underground coal mining equipment;

· To identify existing and proposed improvements to equipment design to reduce injury risks; and

· To disseminate this information widely to sites and manufacturers.

An analysis of injury narratives describing equipment-related injuries occurring at NSW underground mines in the 3 years to June 2008 was undertaken. The analysis was broadened from that previously conducted to include Longwall equipment. Information regarding high potential incidents was sought from regulators and industry.

Information regarding existing and proposed design improvements was gathered from underground sites in Queensland and New South Wales, as well as manufacturers in Australia and elsewhere. A review of recent literature was undertaken, and assistance was provided to the underground coal committee of the Earth Moving Equipment Safety Round Table (EMESRT).

"Ergonomics of underground coal mining equipment" seminars were held in Pokolbin and Mackay during 2010. These seminars featured a range of presentations by ergonomists and other professionals, site personnel, and representatives of regulators and manufacturers. The proceedings from these seminars have been made available online (Burgess-Limerick, 2010)

Presentations were also made to a number of industry fora including ACARP Roadway Development workshops; Queensland Mining Safety Conference; and the NSW Department of Industry and Investment Mechanical Engineering Safety seminar. Information gathered during the project was incorporated within a book published by CRC press titled "Human Factors for the design, operation and maintenance of mining equipment" (Horberry, Burgess-Limerick & Steiner, 2010). The final deliverable of the project is a substantially revised version of the handbook "Reducing injury risk associated with underground coal mining equipment" (Appendix A).