Orica’s Major Hazards Program

Orica Australia Quarry Services (Associate Members since 2000) provided a presentation at the CMPA Blast Management Webinar. This extract looks at Blast Crew Safety.

The Major Hazards Program is the core of safety management at Orica. Launched in 2016, it defines major hazards and ensures key controls are in place and effective. The program is designed to eliminate fatalities and serious injuries. In total, 19 Major Hazards have been defined across the business. Two that are particularly relevant for quarries are:

• MH-03 Falling from height
• MH-15 Rockfall or collapse

The sharing of safety information is the key to improving the processes carried out on your own sites and within your own businesses.

In June 2008, an Orica operator fell 9m over a quarry face after
the crest gave way beneath his feet

• He was priming the 1” explosive hose by pumping product over the face;
• This had been accepted practice for many years
• Against all odds, the operator survived with a single severe cut on the back of his head, and severe bruising. He returned to work 6 weeks later. He has no recollection of the fall.

MH-03 Falling from height

Two Metre Rule for Working Near Crests

• In response to the 2008 incident, Orica introduced the
“two metre rule” prohibiting access within two metres of
an open face

Working Near Crests – Two Metre Rule

• Danger Zone 2m or less from Stable Crest where face height
is more than 1.8m

• Danger Zone 2m or less from unstable ground or footing
where face height is more than 1.8m

Control Measures including Edge Protection

• Orica personnel are not permitted to work within the two
metre danger zone
• As a minimum, the danger zone should be demarcated with
a paint line
• Physical methods of edge protection including bunding,
flagging etc. are encouraged.
• Need to consider risks associated with each method e.g.,
trip hazard, personnel working near unprotected crests
while erecting fencing, HME working near unstable crest.

MH-15 Rockfall or collapse-Working Under Highwalls

• Danger Zone within ½ of the height of an adjacent face.
Orica personnel are not to stop (if in a vehicle) or be on foot
in this area.

• The height of the face is measured to the first functioning
catch berm.
• If the catch bench is full, the face is higher, so the danger
zone is larger.

• If there is a rill, the danger zone starts at the toe.

Working Under Highwalls – Key Controls

• Highwall risk assessment and/or include in JSERA
• Communicate with other workers in the area
• Eliminate work on benches above
• Functioning catch bunds
• Do not work between MMU and highwall

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