Resources sector raises awareness on COVID-19 safety

According to Mining News Pro - The New South Wales Minerals Council, the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) and the South Australian Chamber of Mines (SACOME) have come together to demonstrate the range of anti-coronavirus measures to protect workers, families and communities.

These measures including physical distancing during travel and at site, increased hygiene and cleaning, temperature testing, changes to shift start times and working arrangements.

These measures are parts of the resources industry coronavirus measures, announced in March by the industry to ensure continued operation of the sector while adhering to strict safety protocols.

“Health and safety is the Australian minerals industry’s number one commitment, and the industry is proud to show Australians what our workforce is doing to keep everyone safe – including local communities – during the COVID-19 pandemic,” MCA chief executive officer Tania Constable said.

The industry’s community information campaign features people from operations across Australia working in a range of vital commodities including iron ore, coal, copper and gold as they demonstrate the safety measures being implemented at their workplaces.

“This next phase of our community information campaign shows first-hand some of the actions our miners are taking each day to protect themselves, their families and their communities from COVID-19 while continuing to make a critical contribution to the economy,” NSW Minerals Council CEO Stephen Galilee said.

SACOME has also launched a video series on its website where industry leaders discuss how they are responding to COVID-19.

“The resources sector underpins the economy and continues to meet the challenges of COVID-19 – showing leadership by significantly decreasing the movement of people and implementing strategies to protect workers, families and communities,” SACOME CEO Rebecca Knol said.