Dust – an ever present hazard in a construction and mining environment

Dust should always be considered and managed during any operational processes and this is highlighted in this video taken South of Newman, Western Australia in April 2009. These unsuspecting travellers attempt to drive through the outer edge of a dust storm event and find themselves in a total black out. Although the event is highly impressive it is also extremely dangerous and unpredictable.

Dust storms and reduced visibility in operational environments can present themselves with little or no warning with nothing more than the wind changing. Supervisors need to be vigilant when dust hazards are reported by personnel and evaluate the risk on a case by case basis.

These events should be itemised in an operational risk register with specific controls to assist Supervisors to either continue safe operations or stop operations until the hazard is minimised. When a business fails to identify action plans for such occurrences, it creates unwanted operational pressure and confusion which ultimately can compromise people’s safety.

Events which may create visibility hazards include:

• Dust storms;

• Operational dust;

• Rain and snow;

• Sunrise and sunset

Practical solutions to consider may include:

• Supervisor training.

• Communication programs e.g. Tool box presentations, pre-shift meetings, Bureau of Meteorology notifications.

• Risk register and procedural reviews.

• Regular shift supervisor area inspections.

• Dedicated water cart operations.

• Use of dust suppressant additives to roads.