News and Reviews

Vic: Ballarat Minefields finalist in state WorkSafe Awards
Monday, 26 September 2005
CCH Limited Australia, News Headlines

Ballarat Minefields has been named a finalist in the WorkSafe Victoria Awards, recognising individuals and organisations that have made significant contributions to improving health and safety. WorkCover Minister John Lenders said today more than 110 entries had been received for this year's awards and Ballarat Goldfields was in the running for the Best Strategies for Health and Safety Management Award.

Mr Lenders said the finalists were judged by a panel of representatives from a cross section of industries, unions, employer associations and WorkSafe Victoria.
"To combat a range of potential health and safety dangers, Ballarat Goldfields has constructed a huge purpose-designed shed to store and examine large samples of rock extracted from drilling rigs used for gold exploration," Mr Lenders said.

"The new premises have eliminated the risks associated with the previous workplace set up and practices, including lifting, carrying and moving the heavy and awkward rock cores - a tray of which can weigh 20 kilograms."

Mr Lenders said such work practices exposed workers to the risk of muscular sprains and strains that are one of the most common injuries suffered in Victorian workplaces. Sprains and strains accounted for about 60 per cent of the VWA's injury claims and a disproportion of long-term claims.

"Some of the Ballarat Goldfields facility's other key features include: suspended power cords to minimize trips and electrical hazards; and hydraulic trolleys and jacks to raise the rock cores, eliminating unsafe lifting practices. Sound proofing of the cutting room for rock samples has also reduced noise risks," the Minister said in a statement.

The WorkSafe Victoria Awards will be announced in Melbourne on 27 October as part of Work Safe Week that runs from 23 to 28 October.

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