17 July 2019

Narrabri takes home First Aid Award

Whitehaven Coal’s Narrabri Underground Mine has taken out the prestigious First Aid Award for the fourth year in a row at the 2019 Hunter Valley Underground Mines Rescue competition, held in late June.

In addition to lifting the first aid shield, Narrabri placed first in the Surface Control, FAB and Underground 4 multi-casualty exercises, and placed third overall.

Jordan Randle, Narrabri’s Mines Rescue Coordinator said he was extremely proud of the team’s performance at the annual competition.

“The competition is a fantastic opportunity to test our incident response and rescue skills under pressure.

“Retaining the first aid shield for the fourth year in a row is an outstanding achievement. It demonstrates that our first aid skills are top notch and up to date, skills that may eventually save someone’s life.

“The silverware is a bonus,” Mr Randle said.

The teams that compete in the regional competition consist of brigadesmen, a voluntary position required in every underground coal mine, and there are currently 461 underground mines rescue brigadesmen across NSW. Brigadesmen must attend six rounds of training each year to maintain their skills and active status.

“Our goal is for zero workplace injuries and for every person to go home safe after work each day,” said Jamie Frankcombe, Whitehaven Coal Chief Operating Officer at Whitehaven Coal.

“What stops an accident from becoming a catastrophe is a combination of rigorous processes, well-trained people, and a strong workplace culture of empowerment.

“That’s what we have at Whitehaven. You’re in safe hands working alongside these brigadesmen, as these results demonstrate.”

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