Mine competition drives safety message home

Members from Kwinana’s refinery participated in the 25th anniversary of the surface mine competition in the Goldfields last weekend.

BHP Billiton Nickel West was one of seven emergency response teams to test their skills at the Chamber of Minerals and Energy (CME) WA Surface Mine Emergency Response Competition (SMERC) in Kalgoorlie.

The combined Nickel West team, including two members from its Kwinana refinery, were tested on space rescue, medical emergencies and rope rescue.

Kwinana refinery emergency response co-ordinator Alana Gallagher said the intense two-day competition was a real test of the capability of the team members and recognition of their significant contribution to emergency response.

“At BHP Billiton nothing is more important at our sites than ensuring workers return home safely after a good day’s work,” she said.

“This training could be the difference between one of your workmates making it home to their family or not.”

SMERC saw teams compete in nine challenging scenarios designed to improve emergency response skills and knowledge in fire-fighting, vehicle extrication, hazardous chemicals and incident management.

CME chief executive Reg Howard-Smith said spectator participation featured strongly over the weekend.

“The competition highlighted just how important the role of emergency preparedness is within the community and for resources sector operations,” he said.

Norton Gold Fields Ltd took out the overall honours for Best Team followed by Gold Fields St Ives.