The Baseline - Mining and the Environment: From Ore to Metal - page 367

Coastal and offshore work commands special attention. Information about tides,
currents, weather, and other factors affecting safety should be considered. Work on rock-
platforms can be particularly hazardous and adequate precautions must be taken to prevent
i eldworkers being swept from rocks or injured by unexpected waves. Training, experi-
ence of team leaders, and adequate personnel to ensure continuous vigilance are required.
Ensure that appropriate clothing, including footwear is worn by all personnel (this is par-
ticularly important if someone has to go to the aid of someone else who is in difi culty).
Precautions required for terrestrial i eldwork vary according to the type of environment
and likely weather conditions, including possible weather extremes which may be encoun-
tered. Rainforest, desert, or mountain environments present different hazards, and the
health & safety plan should always consider project specii c potential natural hazards.

Coastal and offshore work
commands special attention.

Safety and First Aid
Field teams must have adequate i rst aid training and supplies, as appropriate to the type
of work and the hazards that may be encountered, and the size of the i eld trip party.
Precautions should be taken to minimize the potential for accidents of any kind; such
preparations are essential for an adequate response to accidents. Where appropriate, port-
able survival kits should be provided. Standard vehicle i rst aid kits are almost certainly
inadequate for i eldwork. Survival in difi cult circumstances in remote areas, at sea, or in
deserts requires specialist knowledge, skills, preparation, and training. For extended i eld-
work in remote areas the inclusion of a paramedic in the i eld party is worth considering
( Case 8.4 ).

Standard vehicle fi rst aid kits are
almost certainly inadequate for
fi eldwork.

Communication
Reliable means of communication are essential for all i eldwork. What is needed will
obviously vary according to the circumstances and, in some cases (e.g. boating), statutory
requirements apply. It is essential that, if something does go wrong, assistance can be sum-
moned and emergency services notii ed. Mobile telephones are one convenient form of
communication, but they are not suitable for all circumstances or areas. Satellite telephones
are available for use in areas without mobile telephone coverage. For remote operations, it
is important to establish a schedule for contacting the home base or other appropriate base.
Such contacts not directly involved in the work, must have the means to initiate a rescue if
regular contact breaks down and there is evidence that something has gone wrong. Global
positioning systems (GPS) should be available, preferably with back-up units in case of loss
or damage to the primary unit. GPS use is essential in all travel by boat or in remote areas.

Use of Vehicles
For most of us driving is part of daily life. So why bother about special safety consideration
when working in the i eld? There is a simple answer to this. Driving is a dangerous activity

Driving is a dangerous activity.

CASE 8.4
Health & Safety Planning - Preparing for the Unexpected

Some plant species release a poisonous substance when in
contact to exposed skin. These plants are found in low land
forests in Kalimantan, and other parts of South East Asia. Skin
contact causes a painful rash, and in rare cases can trigger

allergies leading to death. Such an allergic reaction did happen
to a party member during the biological baseline study of
the Juloi coal deposit in remote Central Kalimantan. Fieldwork
was professionally planned, with satellite communication in

place, and emergency helicopters within reach. The party also
included a paramedic who provided the initial medical support.
Within one day the affected team member was hospitalized,
and she fully recovered within a few days.