Assignment Overview
Scenario
Project Overview:
EnviroWater has been awarded the installation and commissioning of three (3) Water Recycling and Treatment Systems for KMG – Ridges Iron Ore Project at their Wyndham-Kununurra site.
As the Site Safety Advisor, you are responsible for overseeing WHS compliance during the installation of the water filtration systems at this remote mine site.
Role:
As the appointed Safety Supervisor, you are required to coordinate all safety aspects of the project.
Workforce Details:
There are approximately 26 EnviroWater staff on site per swing (8/6 roster), excluding yourself. All staff are currently working only during the day. The workforce includes:
- Supervisor – 1
- Electrician – 2
- Boilermaker/Fabricator – 6
- Pipefitter/Plumber – 2
- Mobile Plant Operator – 2
- Crane Operator – 2
- Rigger / Dogger – 2
- Labourer / Trade Assistant – 8
- Storeman – 1
Safety History:
Over past projects in the far North of WA, there have been multiple heat-related injuries, with approximate details as follows:
- Total hours worked: 28,080 (approx. 180-day work period)
- Number of LTI: 6
- LTIFR: ? (to be calculated)
- Average daytime temperature: 41–45°C
- Average nighttime temperature: 24–28°C
Assessment Requirements – Brief Summary
The assessment is designed to evaluate the student’s ability to manage workplace health and safety (WHS) for a remote mining project, specifically the installation and commissioning of three Water Recycling and Treatment Systems for the KMG – Ridges Iron Ore Project. Key requirements include:
- Role Understanding: Act as the Site Safety Advisor and Safety Supervisor.
- WHS Compliance: Ensure compliance with WHS regulations during installation activities.
- Workforce Management: Monitor a team of 26 staff with varying trades and responsibilities.
- Risk Management: Identify hazards associated with extreme temperatures and past injury history.
- Incident Analysis: Calculate Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) and evaluate safety history.
- Planning & Reporting: Develop procedures, monitor work practices, and coordinate safety strategies effectively.
Learning objectives covered:
- Apply WHS knowledge in a practical project scenario.
- Conduct risk assessments for a high-risk remote work environment.
- Implement safety control measures for a diverse workforce.
- Analyze historical safety data to improve current work practices.
- Develop communication and reporting strategies to maintain a safe work environment.
Step-by-Step Approach Guided by Academic Mentor
Step 1: Understanding the Scenario
- The mentor instructed the student to first analyze the project scope, the location, and workforce details.
- Emphasis was placed on recognizing remote-site challenges such as extreme temperatures and prior injury statistics.
Step 2: Role Clarification and Responsibility Mapping
- The student was guided to clearly define their role as Safety Supervisor.
- Each team member’s duties were outlined to identify potential safety risks linked to specific trades.
Step 3: Risk Identification and Hazard Analysis
- The mentor showed how to use the workforce and historical injury data to identify high-risk activities (e.g., heat-related injuries).
- Tools such as risk matrices were suggested to prioritize hazards.
Step 4: Safety Planning and Procedure Development
- The student developed WHS procedures including:
- Heat stress management plans.
- Daily toolbox talks.
- Emergency response protocols.
- The mentor emphasized documenting these procedures to ensure compliance and accountability.