The SafeSite program from Mayo Hardware is a simple solution to a complicated problem.
Maintenance and repair are constants on a mine site, often with multiple projects underway at once, and can be carried out while full-scale operations continue.
Mine operators do everything in their power to keep workers safe during these works, but having so many moving parts and people in play can pose a variety of challenges.
While maintenance is being carried out in a certain area, it’s often essential that energy sources be managed effectively so potential issues like shocks, arc flashes, or the release of liquids or steam can be avoided.
If another worker who is unaware the works are being carried out comes along and re-engages those energy sources, it can lead to potentially severe consequences for those involved.
To protect workers performing maintenance, sites can implement a ‘lockout–tagout’ system where lockout equipment, such as a safety padlock, secures an energy isolating device while a tagout, such as a tag, warns employees not to use the equipment. This aims to prevent unintended re-energising and start-up of equipment.
Mayo Hardware has been the exclusive wholesaler of Master Lock products in Australia for nearly 100 years. Master Lock’s safety locks and devices are some of the tools with which mine sites across the country have been able to prevent damage to machinery and injuries to people.
“The SafeSite program by Mayo Hardware is a free-of-charge service offer that works with end users to ensure they receive the best advice and solution tailored to their needs,” Mayo Hardware product manager Jason Vandenberg told Safe to Work.
“The goal is simply to make it easier for people to do the right thing, ensuring protection is achieved efficiently and willingly, rather than it being a burden that people would rather do without.”
Vandenberg emphasised that the SafeSite program has been a “game-changer” for sites looking to improve their lockout–tagout isolation safety practices.
“Many companies are happy to just sell products, but our customers demand more than that; they want a partnership where they can have their say so their site’s specific needs are heard and met,” he said.
“The SafeSite program acknowledges that safety is more than just product – it includes training, culture, behaviour and procedures. Mayo Hardware has representatives in each Australian state who are never far away from being able to conduct site visits and talk through best practice.”
The SafeSite program has been successful in providing tools and products to protect miners during their operations, but it’s just one facet of Mayo’s approach to protecting miners on-site.
As the Australian wholesaler of ATG Gloves, Mayo is also helping protect workers while they perform heavy-duty, hands-on work.
“Like Master Lock, ATG Gloves are considered global market leaders in the coated seamless knitted glove market and can be found on most mine sites in Australia,” Vandenberg said.
By taking a holistic approach to safety through the SafeSite program, Mayo and ATG have diligently worked to ensure users understand what makes the gloves different, as well as making it easier for workers to quickly select the right gloves for the job.
“Using the wrong gloves increases the risk of injury,” Vandenberg said. “Gloves that are incorrectly sized are uncomfortable and prohibit performance. As soon as a glove is removed, your hand is no longer protected.
“Comfort is the key to compliance. Many sites have trialled other gloves, but due to worker discord come back to ATG – their comfort is unsurpassed with the inclusion of AD-APT technology keeping hands up to 65 per cent cooler.
“They are also extremely durable, meaning they last longer than regular gloves making them economical over the course of their life.”
Whether implementing a lockout–tagout system or introducing ATG gloves, Mayo regularly checks in on its customers to make sure everything is going smoothly.
“We review how everything is going in six to 12 months to ensure changes made have worked or, if not, implement additions and improvements” Vandenberg said.
“We have a procedure-writing partner that can do a free desktop audit on existing lockout–tagout procedures, and we can quickly put together glove matrices and education posters encouraging worker education and compliance.”
Master Lock is further looking to make things easier for mine sites with its Bluetooth-connected padlocks and lock boxes that can be controlled by a mobile phone app.
“They’re a great way to streamline and manage access control, especially in areas where many keys are used, remote locations, or where contractor access is constant,” Vandenberg said.
“No more lost keys or forgotten codes; permanent or temporary access can be granted to those who need it from anywhere. Detailed access history is kept so you can easily see who accessed the device and when.
“Master Lock also has a connected lockout program – cLOTO – enabling users to digitally transform their lockout programs by bringing safety, accountability and innovation together on a desktop or mobile device.”
This versatility allows users to streamline processes, assign and track procedures and make real-time decisions when they matter most.
“We will continue working with mine sites to make it easier to keep people safe,” Vandenberg said. “Having a positive impact on a site’s health and safety culture is paramount.”
This feature also appears in the March–April issue of Safe to Work.