This proposal advocates for the installation of a second escape ladder to enhance emergency preparedness and safety. This proposed safety measure aims to rectify critical safety gaps, align with workplace health and safety (WHS) standards, and safeguard miners’ lives.

Current State of WHS

Limited Escape Ladder: The mine has only one primary escape route, which posed a significant risk if it becomes unusable during an emergency. This inadequate safety infrastructure does not support the safe and rapid evacuation of miners, especially from deeper sections of the mine.

Linked to this concern is that emergency procedures are underdeveloped. In addition, in its current state the mine does not fully comply with WHS regulations that require multiple egress routes to ensure safety.

Objectives of the Change Initiative

The primary objective of this change initiative is to substantially improve the safety conditions at Pike River Coal Mine. Specific objectives include:

1. Enhanced Emergency Evacuation: Provide a reliable secondary escape route to ensure miners can evacuate safely in case the primary route is blocked.
2. Regulatory Compliance: Ensure full compliance with WHS regulations, reducing legal risks and enhancing operational safety.
3. Safety Culture Improvement: Promote a safety-first culture among all levels of staff, emphasising the importance of adhering to safety protocols.
4. Boost Morale and Trust: Increase miners’ trust in management’s commitment to their safety, thereby improving overall morale and cooperation.

Proposed Means of Driving the Change

To achieve these objectives, the following steps are proposed:

1. Comprehensive Risk Assessment: Conducting a detailed risk assessment to determine the optimal location for the second escape ladder, considering the mine’s layout and operational hazards.
2. Design and Engineering: Engage with safety engineers to design the escape ladder in compliance with WHS standards. The design should ensure the ladder is accessible, durable, and able to withstand identified risk conditions.
3. Installation: Install the escape ladder at the identified location, ensuring minimal disruption to ongoing mining operations.
4. Training Programmes: Implement extensive training programs for all miners, focusing on the use of the new escape route and overall emergency procedures. Conduct regular emergency drills to ensure miners are familiar with evacuation procedures and can use the new escape ladder effectively.
5. Communication Plan: Develop a communication strategy to keep all stakeholders informed about the initiative, its importance, and progress updates.
6. Continuous Monitoring: Establish a monitoring system to regularly evaluate the effectiveness of the escape ladder and gather feedback for continuous improvement.

Barriers to Success

Several barriers could potentially impede the success of this initiative:

1. Financial Constraints: The costs associated with risk assessment, design, installation, and training could be substantial and might face budgetary limitations given that the mine is only partly operational.
2. Technical Challenges: The mine’s complex infrastructure might present challenges in the installation and integration of the escape ladder. This may result in delays in the escape being usable.
3. Regulatory Delays: Obtaining necessary regulatory approvals could cause delays in the implementation process.
4. Logistical Issues: Ensuring the installation does not disrupt ongoing mining operations might be challenging and will need to be appropriately led.

Measuring Proposal Success

The success of this proposal can be measured through various indicators:

1. Compliance Audits: Regular WHS audits to ensure the mine meets/exceeds all safety regulations and standards.
2. Emergency Drill Performance: Evaluation of emergency drills to assess miners’ ability to use the new escape route efficiently and extra training if concerns are detected.
3. Employee Feedback: Surveys and feedback mechanisms to gauge miners’ confidence in the new safety measures and overall safety culture.
4. Regulatory Feedback: Positive feedback and approvals from regulatory bodies, indicating successful compliance and implementation.

 Resources and Organisational Commitments Required

Implementing this proposal will require significant resources and commitments, including:

1. Financial Investment: Adequate funding for risk assessment, design, engineering, installation, training, and continuous monitoring.
2. Expert Consultation: Engagement with safety experts and engineers for the design and installation of the escape ladder, combined with worker consultation.
3. Training Programmes: Development and execution of comprehensive WHS training programmes for all employees.
4. Monitoring Systems: Establishment of systems for ongoing evaluation and feedback to ensure the continuous effectiveness of the safety measures.

Conclusion

The installation of a second escape ladder at Pike River Coal Mine represents a critical step towards enhancing miner safety. By addressing this current safety deficiency and fostering a robust safety culture, this initiative aims to protect lives, ensure regulatory compliance, and build trust within the workforce. The success of this proposal hinges on comprehensive planning, effective implementation, and unwavering commitment from all organisational levels.

A1: Project Presentation Rubric