Dugald River Mine, a longhole open stoping zinc operation in North-West Queensland, has long prioritised the implementation of robust engineering controls to mitigate the risk of falls from height. With typical stope heights of approximately 20 metres, the site has continuously refined its safety measures to ensure effective, dependable protection at open hole locations.
Despite the early use of stope bollards as a key control, several limitations were identified over time, including:
• Challenging assembly and installation processes
• Difficulty clearing adjacent fly rock
• Significant manual handling risks
In response, Dugald River collaborated with QMW Industries and Forward Mining to develop a fully redesigned Open Hole Bollard—a purpose-engineered solution to address these issues and enhance overall protection. The result is a 2.1m-long, one-piece galvanised steel bollard that is installed into a 3m-deep, 152–203mm diameter drill hole at a controlled distance from the open void. Importantly, this new design ensures continuous and reliable protection before, during, and after the creation of any open hole.
The bollards are installed using an Integrated Tool Carrier, eliminating manual handling and allowing for efficient, safe placement. They are configured in groups of three along each stope edge to eliminate any risk of mobile equipment passing between them. A custom-designed push-off bar enables safe and effective removal of fly rock between the bollards without compromising the barrier system.
Comprehensive engineering and field testing validated the performance of the new bollards. Structural calculations were supported by full-scale trials using a tele-remote Sandvik LH621i loader travelling at 8km/h with a full ore bucket. The bollards, when installed in competent ground, were proven capable of stopping the 80-tonne machine—demonstrating a high margin of safety in real-world conditions. Testing was documented through video footage, LIDAR scanning, and load impact measurement.
The introduction of the Open Hole Bollard has substantially improved the mine’s ability to manage fall-from-height risks and is now fully integrated into Dugald River’s Health and Safety Management System. This innovation represents a significant step forward in open hole protection, ensuring that all applicable voids are consistently and effectively secured throughout their lifecycle.

Aim: Workplaces that have workers exposed to temperatures above 30°C and or high humidity need to have a heat stress management plan. Safety footwear is often required to reduce the risks of traumatic injuries. However, research has shown safety footwear can have a significant impact on physiological strain and can increase risks of heat stress due to the weight, rigidity, and lack of breathability. This study investigated how a style of safety footwear designed to be more breathable compares to existing safety footwear in laboratory tests and if workers can perceive a difference.
Methods: Breathability of a style designed to have improved breathability (uvex 3 x-flow zip, UVEX Arbeitsschutz GmbH, Furth Germany) and a comparable safety footwear style (control) were analysed in a climate chamber (KMF-240, Binder GmbH) with a sweating foot mannequin (SWEATOR-FOOT, CLIMATE GmbH). Ninety-six male and 12 female workers in Australia completed a validated questionnaire on their existing safety footwear and then the uvex x-flow footwear after a 4-week trial. Statistical significance was assessed with a paired sample T-Test.
Results: The uvex x-flow was 15% and 11% better than the control footwear for the climate index and absolute humidity respectively (Climate index, control: 39.9 g/kg vs. x-flow: 33.8g/kg; Absolute humidity, control: 22.6g/kg vs. x-flow: 20.1g/kg). Eighty-six of the 109 workers rated the x-flow footwear to be more breathable than their existing footwear with a mean improvement of 38% (Existing footwear: 5.8 (SD1.8) vs. x-flow: 7.9 (SD2.2), p<0.00). The x-flow footwear was rated as being 14% more comfortable (Existing footwear: 6.9 (SD1.7) vs. x-flow: 7.9 (SD1.9), p<0.00), 36.9% less leg fatiguing (Existing footwear: 5.9 (SD2.0) vs. x-flow: 8.1 (SD1.8), p<0.00) and 44% lighter (Existing footwear: 5.8 (SD2.0) vs. x-flow: 8.4 (SD1.7), p<0.00) than their existing footwear.
Conclusions: An improvement in laboratory measured breathability resulted in a considerably better perceived breathability compared to workers existing footwear. The footwear was also rated to be lighter, more flexible and less fatiguing. Compared to their existing footwear the improved breathability of safety footwear can make a significant difference for workers should be considered as a controlled variable in heat stress management plans.

In the realm of mining operations, ensuring safety is paramount. The technology supporting safety and health must be rigorously tested and maintained to mitigate catastrophic hazards effectively. Among the array of safety measures, the testing of onsite mining water cannon and foam proportioning equipment emerges as a vital component.
Our assessments during countless mine site visits have revealed a concerning trend: a staggering 100% fail rate in water cannon operation and foam proportioning. This alarming discovery underscores the urgent need to rectify deficiencies in equipment performance. The ramifications extend far beyond mere operational inconveniences; they pose severe risks to lives, property, and the environment.
Effective firefighting necessitates precise foam proportioning to combat fires effectively. Failure to maintain accurate foam proportioning mechanisms can result in catastrophic consequences. Inadequately proportioned foam mixture or jellified foam concentrates can significantly impair firefighting efforts, rendering them ineffectual. Similarly, deviations in water cannon flow rates can impede the timely suppression of fires, exacerbating the severity of the situation. The only way to validate performance and ensure compliance with safety regulations is with regular testing.
Implementing a proactive testing regimen is indispensable for maintaining operational readiness and mitigating risks. At one of our major mining clients, a comprehensive testing protocol is executed every three months to evaluate the systems on their water carts. Testing validates equipment capabilities, identifies deficiencies, and allows for timely corrective actions. Additionally, they are more assured of meeting the requirements of insurance underwriters, providing further financial protection.
In conclusion, the importance of testing onsite mining water cannon and foam proportioning equipment cannot be overstated. It is not merely a procedural requirement but a linchpin of safety, efficiency, and resilience in mining operations. Embracing proactive testing practices safeguards lives, assets, and the sustainability of mining endeavours.

Dropped object prevention remains a critical safety challenge in the Australian mining industry, with profound implications for worker safety, operational efficiency, and financial sustainability. This presentation delves into the comparative effectiveness of low-cost, non-engineered solutions versus engineered, long-term solutions, emphasizing the interplay between proactive and reactive approaches.
Non-engineered solutions, while cost-effective and quick to implement, often fail to address the underlying risks associated with dropped objects. These measures, such as makeshift barriers or temporary fixes, may provide short-term relief but risk higher long-term costs due to repeated failures, maintenance issues, and potential incidents. In contrast, engineered solutions, including purpose-built tools, structural reinforcements, and advanced technologies, deliver robust and sustainable risk mitigation. These solutions not only minimize dropped object risks but also enhance overall operational efficiency.
The presentation also contrasts proactive and reactive safety approaches. Proactive measures—such as predictive maintenance, regular inspections, and worker training—focus on preventing incidents before they occur. These approaches promote a culture of safety, reduce downtime, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Conversely, reactive measures, which involve addressing risks post-incident, are often associated with higher costs, reputational damage, and a diminished focus on safety.
Through real-world case studies and data-driven insights, the presentation highlights the consequences of inadequate prevention strategies, including injuries, fatalities, production delays, and legal liabilities. It underscores the importance of investing in engineered solutions and adopting a proactive safety culture to achieve sustainable improvements in risk management.
By exploring the balance between initial investment and long-term benefits, this presentation aims to guide industry stakeholders in making informed decisions that prioritize safety and operational excellence. Ultimately, it advocates for a shift from reactive, low-cost fixes to integrated, proactive strategies that align with the industry's commitment to zero harm.