EMPLOYERS are again reminded of the importance of safety compliance after the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety released figures for 2017 in Western Australia.

The latest Safety and Health Snapshot of the minerals sector highlights the implications of poor structural integrity of structures.

The snapshot covers the period from 1 December 2016 to 30 November 2017 when there were 1,197 injuries and 2,399 notifiable incidents (specific reporting categories).

Of these, 14 injuries and 54 notifiable incidents involved structural integrity.

Director Mines Safety Andrew Chaplyn said when the integrity of a structure is compromised, there is the potential for fatal and serious injuries to occur.

“For the period covered in the snapshot, there were a total of 14 injuries which occurred as a result of structural integrity,” Mr Chaplyn said.

“Half of those were classified as high-consequence injuries which result in amputations, fractures and crushing.”

Mr Chaplyn said the most common types of structural failure include rust and corrosion, cyclones or strong winds, design faults, inadequate alterations of design, poor construction of structures and lack of proper assessment.

“There are three components to consider when addressing the causation factors for failure: design, construction and maintenance,” he said.

“Communication between competent people during these three phases is important for the integrity of structures.

“If this does not happen, or is ineffective, it compromises worker safety and can lead to structural failure.”

To highlight the serious consequences of compromised structural integrity, the snapshot highlights a significant incident report from August 2016 which was issued after a worker was killed when he was crushed by a corroded gantry in a thickener tank.

Of the notifiable incidents, 22 per cent related to fixed plant, 20 per cent were crane incidents and 15 per cent were breakage of rope.

The most common types of structural failure include rust and corrosion, cyclones or strong winds, design faults, inadequate alterations of design, poor construction of structures and lack of proper assessment. The department recommends three components be considered when addressing the causation factors for failure: design, construction and maintenance.