Westons workers protected from hazardous dust

The RTBU Loco Division has worked closely with management at Weston’s mill at Enfield to limit dangerous exposure to dust in the workplace.

After member complaints regarding their exposure to dust at the site, a number of representatives from Weston’s Milling, RTBU members and officials along with Pacific National Rail / Bulk attended a dynamic risk assessment at the site earlier this year.

The hazard identification process raised significant health and safety issues as well as some procedural lapses. Since then Weston’s have been very cooperative, putting into place interim controls so that RTBU members are not exposed to the dust.

Outcomes: Management is to put in place general procedures, with work on these now in progress.

Members will meet with management to discuss walkways, lighting and shunting procedures and narrow track centres.

A number of photographs and videos were taken and these have been discussed with a WorkCover representative for professional guidance as dust and personal hygiene are still issues.

There will be no change to work procedure with Weston still providing the dedicated employee to unload.

Further inspections will also be part of the improvement process.