Mine Site Insurance – 10 Ways to be Mine Site Ready in 2020

Working on a mine site is different from working on any other kind of construction site within Australia. No matter how many years of experience you may have, if you’re about to commence work on a mine site then you need to make sure that you’re mine site ready. To ensure that you won’t encounter any problems as you begin the new working year, we’ve compiled a list of 10 ways to be mine site ready in 2020. 

1. Protect What Matters: The most important preparation involves taking out a comprehensive public liability insurance policy that is tailored specifically for mine site workers. Many standard policies exclude work on mine sites, so it’s imperative you take out a policy that will offer full protection. 
2. Protect Your Income: Many contractors are surprised to learn that they aren’t protected by WorkCover when they’re engaged on a mine site. This is why income protection insurance should be considered essential when working at a mine. 
3. Get the Correct PPE: If you show up at a mine site without the correct PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) then you may be denied access. Ensure you’re mine site ready by checking your PPE is appropriate for the task and in good working order. 
4. Check Your Motor Vehicle: Review the fine print on your vehicle insurance policy for any exclusions relating to mine sites. Your work vehicle likely plays an important role in the success of your business, so keep it fully covered by a suitable insurance policy at all times. 
5. Test & Tag Your Equipment: Check that all of the equipment you plan to take on a mine site is tested and tagged in compliance with Australian Standard AS/NZS 3760. It’s important to remember that Test & Tag frequency will vary depending on the environment the equipment is being used in. 
6. Mine Site Induction & SOPS: Mine site inductions and SOPS (Standard Operating Procedures) will vary between different mine sites. Because of this, you’ll need to complete a site-specific induction and review the relevant SOPS before you’ll be allowed on any new site.  
7. Contractor Training & Certificate Requirements: As a contractor, you may be required to meet certain training and certificate requirements. To arrange this, speak to a local training facility or contact the team at MineGARD and they can direct you to an accredited course provider. 
8. Medical, Drug & Alcohol Screening: These screening tests are now compulsory in the mining industry and must be completed before you can begin working on site. Arrange for testing to be completed ahead of time to prevent frustrating delays. 
9. Speak to the Professionals: Working on a mine site comes with its own unique set of obligations, so it pays to speak to professionals with industry experience. MineGARD employs a qualified team of insurance providers, legal advisors, financial planners, accountants and financiers who can help you to navigate mine site-specific financial requirements. 
10. Become a RIN Member: The Resource Industry Network is an industry association that focuses on those operating in the resource sector. Becoming a RIN member is the best way to stay fully informed about industry developments. 

To find out more about how you can be mine-site ready in 2020, call MineGARD on 07 4953 2799 office or visit our website.