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Public comment sought for proposed outline of new guideline on working in remote
or isolated areas
Background
The Department of Mines and Petroleum is seeking public comment on the proposed structure and content
for a new publication Working in remote or isolated areas – guideline.
The development of this guideline has been endorsed by the Mining Industry Advisory Committee (MIAC).
The comment period closes noon Friday 29 January 2016.
Feedback should be sent to RSDComms@dmp.wa.gov.au
The type of feedback sought includes the identification of gaps in coverage, ideas for content under chapter
titles, and other sources of information.
Scope
This guideline will assist mining and exploration operations to develop safe systems of work for individuals
and groups working remotely or in isolation away from readily accessible infrastructure and support services.
A risk assessment should be used to determine the activities and locations to which this guidance might
apply. Site procedures and emergency plans should reflect reaction and travel times to provide support and
respond to an emergency, and the availability of appropriate equipment and skills.
It is also important to consider the level of supervision and who is responsible for workers, including
contractors and labour hire personnel.
Applicable scenarios could include exploration fly camps, and workers hauling between sites or checking
infrastructure distant to the main operation.
Although drawing on good practice for working alone, it is not a guide for “working alone” (as defined in
legislation). Consequently, it does not include scenarios such as working alone underground, which is
covered by specific regulations.
Definitions
The model Work Health and Safety Regulations define remote or isolated work as “work that is isolated from
the assistance of other people because of the location, time or nature of the work being done”. Although the
terms “remote” and “isolated” fall under the same definition, there are some key differences that employers,
safety practitioners, managers, supervisors and workers should be aware of.

Isolated work may involve work activities undertaken in an isolated area, on or off site, either during or
outside normal working hours.

Remote work may involve work activities undertaken at a location removed from an office environment
where there are few people and where communications and travel are difficult.
Work may be considered remote or isolated even if other people may be close by. In some situations, a
worker or small group may be working independently for a short period of time, while in other situations they
may be on independent for days or weeks in a remote location. Each situation should be assessed according
to its circumstances, taking into account specific factors that may present a risk to the worker or workers.
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Provisional structure and content
Forward
1. Introduction
What is a remote or isolated area?
How does this differ from working alone?
Unique conditions posed by remote and isolated areas
Who is responsible?
2. Safe systems of work
Risks specific to remote and isolated areas
Risk mitigation strategies
 Ensuring a safe workplace
 Adoption of safe work practices
3. Management and supervision
Workers and supervisors trained and competent for tasks and vehicles
Appropriate level of engagement with group(s) or lone person(s) working isolated and remotely
Inspection of workplaces
4. Planning and preparation
The area
Vehicle and equipment
Work being undertaken
Known procedures for…
5. Training, information and instruction
Overview (on what TTI is)
Training for … or, Are your people prepared?
Access to procedures, work instructions, supervision etc.
6. Health and well being
Camp hygiene and layout
Housekeeping camp and work sites
Maintaining a safe and healthy work environment
Fitness for work
7. Communication systems
Methods of communication
Communications process and procedure
8. Hazards
Heat stroke and stress, and acclimatisation
Fatigue
Weather phenomena
Traffic movement and management
Old mine working and explosives
Fauna and mosquito-borne diseases
9. Emergency preparedness
Unique conditions posed by remote areas and isolation
Appendix 1 Legislative provisions
Appendix 2 Further guidance and information
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Information sources that will be referenced
Department of Mines and Petroleum

General duty of care in Wester Australian mines (second edition) – guideline

General duty of care – employees and employers – Mines Safety and Inspection Act pamphlet

Duty of care – labour hire industry – Mines Safety and Inspection Act pamphlet

Mineral exploration drilling – code of practice

Travelling in remote locations – Mine safety matters pamphlet

Old mine workings – pamphlet

Prospecting in remote areas – pamphlet

Employer-provided accommodation – Mines Safety and Inspection Act pamphlet

Mosquito-borne diseases – information sheet

Drill rig operation – Mine safety matters pamphlet

Electricity – Mine safety matters pamphlet

Railway crossings – Mine safety matters pamphlet

Frequently asked questions on management and supervision at mining operations – Information sheet

Frequently asked questions on preventing and managing fatigue on Western Australian mining
operations – Information sheet

Prospecting in Western Australia – your rights and obligations when prospecting (Ed 12, October 2014),
Department of Mines and Petroleum.

Gender and safety in mining – workshop planner series

Guidance about working in remote areas

Guidance about exploration hazards

Guidance about exploration drilling hazards

Guidance about working alone

Guidance about travelling for work
Other
Comcare’s guide to remote or isolated work [2013]
Hydro Tasmania’s remote area and working alone procedure [2010]
The University of WA’s fieldwork in rural and remote areas procedures [web page, last updated September
2014]
Judith Austin’s remote ready booklet on preparing for work in remote locations of the Northern Territory
[2010]
Safe Work Australia’s model code of practice on how to manage work health and safety risks [2011]
Safe Work Australia’s model code of practice on managing the work environment and facilities [2011, pages
22-24]
WA Department of Health’s Scoping tool: Public health considerations for mine sites, exploration camps and
construction villages [2011]