WORKSAFE Victoria has issued an alert highlighting the dangers of working on drill rigs in Victoria following a series of incidents involving drill rods.
One serious incident involved a drill rod running through the hoist limit, flicking out and striking the worker’s head, causing a deep laceration.
Investigations found the rod handling systems, combined with the general ergonomics of drill rod handling, and the design and establishment of the drill pads led to these incidents.
WorkSafe Victoria has consequently recommended preventative control measures for tenement holders and drill rig operators.
These include provisions in the work plan and occupational health and safety systems to assess the establishment and formation of the drill pads, and meet the operational and safety requirements of the specific drill rig.
WorkSafe also recommends ensuring the drill site layout reduces the need to handle, move or carry drill rods, and eliminating double handling of drill rods where practicable.
Other suggestions include providing enough space for the driller’s offsider to easily move the hoisted drill rod away from the drill rig onto the work table, racks or frames and ensuring drilling contractors provide minimum drill pad requirements for the drill rigs.
Other WorkSafe recommendations can be accessed by emailing info@worksafe.vic.gov.au or calling 1800 136 089.
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