Elexon Mining is introducing Iain Martin-Blakey as our new Work Health and Safety Advisor.

“It is important to realise that safety is a journey and not a destination”, and we know that bringing Iain on to oversee our WHS across every area of our company is the first step in that direction.

This newly created role is one of many initiatives Elexon are taking in 2024 to continue to grow and foster a positive and efficient workplace culture. Iain has an extensive history of working within organisational WHS and HR management, and as his career has progressed has transitioned into more advisory roles, imparting his experiences through developing programs to address specialist skills in safety and HR. Iain’s expertise in legal reporting, policy revision and implementing WHS processes and procedures greatly improve overall organisation standards in these areas.

Ian Martin-Blakey: “It is important to realise that safety is a journey and not a destination”

Mining Specific WHS Practices

As specialists in geotechnical monitoring solutions for our mining partners, safety is paramount. We prioritise everyone’s safe return home after every shift. Therefore, it is critical that hazard management plans are continuously reviewed and maintained, and that staff are informed of the Safety Management System (SMS) in place at each mining site.

strict compliance with the heavily regulated mining industry is mandatory. As a company we recognise our duty of care and commit to providing the necessary resources to ensure the safety of everyone involved. Improving Elexon Minings’ internal WHS measures. In recognizing our social responsibility for our employees’ well-being, we extend our commitment to safety beyond our team, all the way to the customer and end user.

Elexon Mining and Safety

From a product standpoint, Elexon has constantly contributed to the ongoing safety of mining operations all around the globe. As an example, CaveTracker detects air gaps in caves before they pose a threat, and Geo4Sight reduces the risk of slope failure through ground movement monitoring. Our dedication to continual improvement drives us to refine these contributions and advance our products to ensure an even safer mining environment.

The Link Between Safety and Well-being

Iain also has a keen interest in improving the well-being of staff members, as he believes well-being and safety are closely linked. The more a team feels as though they are a part of a safe environment that welcomes employee consultation and input, the more inclined they are to be engaged and proactive, resulting in better performance, contribution, and longevity of employment. Through the monthly Safety Committee Meetings, there will be a dedicated conversation point to address mental health initiatives like Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea in March and R U OK day in October. Being innovative and going beyond traditional safety measures is key to creating a positive and supportive workplace environment. Iain will be introducing further internal training, so that Elexon staff feel confident in their roles and capable of handling unforeseen circumstances for effectively.

Psychosocial Health and Safety in the Workplace

As of April 1^st, 2023, the Queensland Government passed amendments to their Work Health and Safety regulations, to implement more controlled measures around managing psychosocial hazards. Part of Iain’s work at Elexon Mining will be establishing the practices to effectively address each of these hazard areas, implement new strategies to support out team and that way also the quality of our services delivered to customers.

 

With any suggestions related to Work Health and Safety of Elexon Mining operations, contact Iain at iain.martin-blakey@elexongroup.com.