Queensland has specific reporting requirements for open cut mines that ensure a high level of safety is achieved. This is achieved through trained personnel specifically in charge of managing and maintaining a safe work environment for all workers. This article will give you:

• A high level of what OCEs are and what their job is.
• OCE reporting requirements.
• How OCE reporting can be automated.
• What training and competencies OCEs need.
• Links to acts and regulations.

What are OCEs?

Queensland has acts and regulations aimed at improving the safety and efficiency of open-cut mines in Australia. To ensure that these mines adhere to the acts and regulations, an “Open Cut Examiner” is required on every mine. Their responsibilities include hazard identification, risk management and enforcing compliance to the mine safety regulations.

What are the OCE reporting requirements?

OCEs have a reporting requirement at the end of each shift. This involves the generation of a report that documents all the hazards on the site. Each hazard requires controls to ensure the safety of the workers. This report must be posted in an accessible location, and all workers need to be familiar with this report before they start their shift.

Generating this report is a time consuming process and human error can lead to mistakes which expose workers to unacceptable risk. Most sites operate with hand written or hand generated (word document, excel sheet e.g.) reports that are prone to error. They are also difficult to update and because of this, they often may not include the most relevant or up to date information.

Automatically Generated OCE sheet:

HazView addresses this directly by allowing for one-click OCE report generation. Throughout the day, OCEs will conduct their inspections and report any changes to conditions or controls. At the end of their shift they can simply click the generate report button, and all the latest data is pulled directly into a PDF in real time. This is stored on the cloud with a full archive that can be accessed at any time. The OCE’s can then download the report and distribute or print as required.

This sheet can be customised to match any required layout and will include the sites custom colours and logos. HazView reports can show key points, newly identified hazards, resolved hazards, inspected and inspected hazards and much more. Hazards can have customised colouring based on if they are shot or JSA related. Areas can also be highlighted and managed with their access status (open, closed, restricted e.g.).

If you would like an overview of how HazView Core and HazView reporter work to simplify, visualise and automate the job of OCEs, head over to the main page for more details. You can also book in a free demonstration here where a team member will run you through the software and how it works.

OCE training and competency requirements:

OCEs need to keep an up-to-date record of their personal training, certifications and competencies. They will also need to ensure the workers on their site have the required competencies. Here is a summary:

Certificate IV in Surface Coal Mining (Open Cut Examiner):

• Completion of the RII40220 qualification, which encompasses a broad range of operational activities and safety management tasks specific to surface coal mining.
• This qualification reflects the role of individuals, including open cut examiners, working in surface coal mines, who perform tasks involving a broad range of day-to-day, operational activities in their area of responsibility (AOT).

First Aid and CPR Certification:

• Current First Aid (HLTAID011) and CPR (HLTAID009) certifications, completed within the last two years and one year, respectively.

Mine Gases and Gas Testing Proficiency:

• Obtainment of a Certificate of Proficiency in Mine Gases and Gas Testing, demonstrating the ability to identify and manage hazardous gases in mining environments.
• This training covers the requirements for the Opencut Examiners Certificate of Proficiency in Mine Gases and Gas Testing (QMRS)

Risk Management Competencies:

• Completion of units such as RIIRIS402E (Carry out the risk management process) and RIIRIS601E (Establish and maintain the risk management system) to ensure proficiency in identifying and mitigating risks.

Communication and Leadership Skills:

• Competency in RIICOM301E (Communicate information) to effectively convey safety information and directives.

Quick links to Acts and Regulations:

• Coal Mining Safety and Health Act 1999: Access the legislation
• Coal Mining Safety and Health Regulation 2017: Access the regulation
• Queensland Government – Mining Competencies and Certificates: Information on certifications
• Safety and Health Reporting for Coal Mines: Guidelines and requirements