The Queensland Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation’s Chief Inspector of Mines, QME, Gavin Taylor, explained the industry need.

“Queensland has recently experienced some significant incidents involving continuous miner mounted roof and rib bolting rigs,” Taylor told ILN.

“Fortunately, none of these incidents resulted in serious injuries but similar instances in New South Wales have had less favourable outcomes.

“As a consequence of some of the incidents in New South Wales, original equipment manufacturers have designed and supplied ‘two-handed dead man’s’ controls but this solution has introduced other ergonomic problems.

“The Queensland Mines Inspectorate is holding this seminar so operators, OEMs, union representatives and the inspectorate can discuss the perceived issues with these rigs.

“From there we can adopt a joint approach to reaching an engineering solution to protect the safety and health of mineworkers operating and maintaining the drill rigs.”

Taylor said all aspects of the rig-mounted units, from engineering design, ergonomics through to operational issues, would be reviewed.

“We wish to hear from operators on the issues they have faced from a safety and health perspective, then move forward from there.”

The seminar committee is seeking papers on the following topics:

• What has been learned from serious roof-bolting accidents?
• Are two hands better than one?
• What will the next generation of bolters look like?
• What needs to happen next?

Papers are sought from mining and mechanical people, suppliers and other industry veterans who can make a contribution on the issue.

About 80-100 people are expected to attend the event, including mine management, mechanical engineers, underground supervisors, operators, safety representatives, suppliers, inspectors and innovators.

Organisers are aiming to finalise the agenda by the end of the month.

Before submission, DEEDI advises a call or email to John Sleigh to discuss the idea for the presentation. Email: john.sleigh@deedi.qld.gov.au Phone: (07) 4967 1443 or 0400 753 444.

The free, one-day practitioner seminar will be held in Mackay on November 6.