Kalgoorlie Consolidated Gold Mines (KCGM) has awarded the Komatsu team, the process maintenance team and the Mt Charlotte underground mine team for their safety innovation ideas with a $12,000 safety donation.
The Komatsu team has developed a hydraulic breakdown kit to remove the need for workers to be in the line of fire during repair of shovel hydraulic systems by using a remote viewing tool to measure rotational speeds.
The process maintenance team on the other hand has developed a tool that removes and installs liners on the crusher. The team also designed a new platform to make chain installation safer at the crusher.
Meanwhile, the Mt Charlotte underground team has engineered a lifting tool to reduce manual handling and sourced a stope pusher, which has made clearing of the blasting bench safer and more efficient.
KCGM general manager Cecile Thaxter said the three winners chose to distribute the donation to much-needed community groups in equal proportions: Radio Lollipop, Red Cross Soup Patrol and the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Men’s Shed.
“Each of the donation recipients play an important role in Kalgoorlie-Boulder and this is our way of thanking them for the tireless work they do,” Thaxter said.
Radio Lollipop is made up of volunteers who provide care, comfort, play and entertainment for sick children in hospitals.
Funds donated from this venture will ensure that Radio Lollipop’s music program continues to reach the children and their families on the children’s ward at Kalgoorlie Regional Hospital, and ensure that the cupboards are stocked with craft, prizes and games, Radio Lollipop charity coordinator Melissa Sparta-Dawes said.
At the Kalgoorlie Men’s Shed, the donation will be used to upgrade its recreation area, including purchasing new tables and chairs where members can sit, relax and talk.
The Red Cross will use the money to go towards its cost of cups, gloves, bags, fuel and maintenance of the soup van as it operates three nights a week throughout the year.