Ensham Resources is an open cut and underground mine with over 600 employees based in Central Queensland, and more than seventy per cent of the operational workforce deployed underground. Allied health personnel conduct task specific inspections to measure air quality (dust), noise levels, ground conditions (wet, muddy) and equipment operations.
As a result, Ensham has been focused on managing ground conditions in the underground environment, a source of knee and lower back complaints. They trialled a new style of underground boots to replace traditional gumboots for use in wet areas of the mine. Partway through the trial, the feedback was so positive that Ensham closed the trial and added the boots to site issue. The acceptance by workers was extremely high with staff feedback suggesting the new boot was more comfortable over a 12 hour shift, ergonomically fitted, and not prone to slippage like a traditional gumboot.
Ensham also takes a unique approach to overcome the challenge of managing return to work in a remote location with employees located all over the country. While injured workers are on rotation, they can complete rehabilitation during their workday as part of their return-to-work plan. They have access to vehicles to travel 40 minutes into Emerald for treatment or out to Rockhampton for scans. As a result, injured workers have a 94.12 per cent stay at work rate.
