Century innovation to improve maintenance safety receives top honours

MMG Century was again recognised for its innovative approach to injury prevention at the Queensland mining industry’s premier safety event in Townsville last night.

The Strongback Power Lift, a remote-controlled platform used to reduce the risks associated with dozer maintenance beat out nine other innovations to take out top honours at the 2011 Queensland Mining Industry Health and Safety Innovation Awards.

The device was developed to assist tradespeople to safely remove gusseted steel plates, known as belly guards, from the underside of dozers. Each belly guard weighs about 215 kilograms.

Century General Manager Karl Spaleck said that the device differed from other products in the market because it had been developed especially for use with dozers.

“The Strongback Power Lift has a low centre of gravity to improve stability and tracks to allow the device to be used on flat and uneven surfaces. Another important feature is the use of a remote control to guide the platform out from under the dozer.

“These features reduce the physical effort involved in the task and need to handle the 215 kilogram part and enable the operator to carry out the task with full visibility and clear of the dangerous dozer blade.”

Mr Spaleck said that a training package had been developed to assist tradespeople to safely operate and maintain the unit.

“Helping our people to stay safe is about more about providing the right equipment for the job. It’s also about providing them with the knowledge they need to do the job right.

“Safety is a key value at Century and we’re continually working to do things better and safer.”

The pilot program for the Strongback Power Lift will continue at Century’s Lawn Hill mine site throughout 2011.