Mining is a big part of the Australian economy. It generates export revenue and employs over 750,000 Australians. While these are great benefits, mining is also an innately risky occupation. According to a Department of Mines and Petroleum report, there were 377 lost time injuries (LTI) during 2015. These LTIs resulted in a total of 8,596 days lost and a further 11,455 days of restricted work.

There are many safety standards that must be met. Mining companies must be vigilant about their safety programs. Those companies that represent the best in mining workplace safety do so because of their commitment to mitigating risk and investing in workplace protections.

For Bend Tech, as a provider and manufacturer of safety systems, safety is our business. As a part of the mining community, Bend-tech recognises mining companies doing safety right.

Newmont Mining

Newmont Mining embraces safety as a core value. The company has many programs to reiterate a safe environment. In 2013, Newmont had the safest performance among its peers in the International Council of Mining and Metals (ICMM). In 2013, the company reduced its serious injuries by 60 percent, compared to the previous year.

Thiess Mining

Theiss operates 24 sites in six countries. Thiess is adamant about prevention. Theiss has been a winner of Stevie Award for its Safety Transformation Program, in recognition of their commitment to safety.

Barrick Gold

Barrick Gold is the largest gold mining company in the world. Barrick Gold has a reputation for operating within ethical standards and promoting a healthy and safe workplace. It supports a safe workplace with programs, policies and training. These efforts have yielded results. Barrick reduced its recordable incidents by 65 percent in 2012.

Rio Tinto

Rio Tinto is a metals and mining company, specialising in iron ore, aluminum, copper, energy, and diamonds. Rio Tinto integrates strict programs and initiatives as the foundation for safety.

With operations across the globe, Rio Tinto implements a clear vision for its safety by integrating strict programs and initiatives to build a company culture around zero harm. Within five years, they reduced its all injury frequency rate (AIFR) by 20 percent.

BHP Billiton

BHP Billiton is a mining, metals and petroleum company. It’s known for encouraging miners to stretch their capabilities and use their functional expertise. BHP Billiton has been voted one of the safest mining companies to work for in Australia. Because safety is so critical to its success, BHP Billiton created its own Health, Safety, Environment and Community (HSEC) Award. This award recognizes employees who have achieved outstanding safety results.

Want to learn more about safety opportunities in mining? Read the Bend-tech whitepaper, Transforming Access & Inspection Door Safety. Learn about chute door safety options and how to ensure your system runs without risk or downtime.

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