Last updated 18 Nov 2020
Resources for managing COVID-19
The MCA will post information provided by member companies and government departments to assist other companies in responding to the pandemic.
Advice should be sought from official sources in addition to this information and the MCA does not accept any liability for actions taken based on this information.
Implementation of resources industry COVID-19 protocols
Australia’s resource sector is implementing strict national COVID-19 health and safety protocols in partnership with Australian governments to keep its workforce, families and communities safe and healthy and sites operating.
The MCA, state resources chambers and APPEA will continue the implementation of national COVID-19 resources industry protocols to protect the workforce and jobs by ensuring the highest levels of health and safety.
This follows the unanimous support for a co-ordinated national approach to ensuring continued operation of the resources sector as an essential industry by the nation’s resources ministers earlier this week.
The protocols also received broad support from the Commonwealth and all states and territories at a meeting of the Resources Sector National Coordination Mechanism yesterday.
Recources Industry COVID-19 supporting guidance
This guidance includes a range of supporting actions that may assist in the implementation of each element of the protocol. Examples are also included to illustrate protocol application, and links to specific templates are provided for companies to refer to when developing their own specific processes to operationalise the national protocols.
The specific company examples provided are sourced from the diverse range of mining operations across the nation, and what is undertaken on one site may not be suitable for another site
New resources to support company compliance with National Protocol and essential cross-border travel
Several documents have been developed by the MCA based on material developed by SACOME to support company compliance with the National Protocol and cross-border travel by essential and critical workers.
These documents include:
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A one-page advisory (suitable for providing to local government, local health or law enforcement officials etc.)
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A template company letter for essential travellers (NB that state-specific legislation/regulation will need to be inserted along with the traveller’s details).
Federal and state border controls
The MCA has compiled a summary of all federal and state control border control measures.
This summary includes relevant links to seek exemptions where available and will be updated regularly.
Managing supply risks
This document provides a practical guide to resources companies to ensure supply risks to business critical services and products are identified, assessed and managed.
It includes a linked template letter that mining operators may use if suppliers seek or require confirmation of their “essential status” to the mining and resources industry.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
The MCA – together with Indigenous organisations and state chambers – has developed guidelines and tools to assist companies to support community-led responses to keep Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and populations safe from COVID-19.
Addressing pandemic-related modern slavery risks
The global COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected people, communities and businesses across all countries and sectors. This includes increasing human rights related risks, including worsening vulnerabilities and other factors that facilitate modern slavery.
The MCA has prepared guidance to assist companies to identify, manage and report on actions to address these risks.
New portal to connect suppliers and COVID-19 supply needs
The Industry Capability Network (ICN) is working with Australian governments at all levels in the response to COVID-19 with the goal of connecting suppliers and manufacturers to where the need is greatest.
ICN has provided a portal to collate and address major COVID-19 needs and is identifying and highlighting supply chain gaps. The portal allows suppliers to register their interest to provide key goods and services, and allows ICN to identify gaps in supply chains and how we can assist in filling these gaps.
Community Engagement Checklist
The MCA, QRC and other state chambers have developed a COVID-19 Community Engagement Checklist to encourage best practice when engaging and communicating with communities
This checklist provides community engagement suggestions to support an effective COVID-19 Management Plan and is relevant for all management plan phases, including development and implementation.
EY Office365 COVID-19 Tracking application
EY has developed a COVID-19 employee health status tracking application based on the Office 365 platform and Sharepoint online. The application has been designed to capture data on personnel movements, symptoms and test results – much of which is currently being recorded on spreadsheets that may not be fit for purpose – quickly and in a meaningful manner.
The application is hosted by companies which adopt it and is only accessible to authenticated users. It is encrypted and the client can determine who accesses the data by setting user permissions, and all collected data is stored by the company using the application with no outside party having access.
EY has generously offered the beta (test) version of the application to MCA mining companies for free. To register your interest, please email covid19tracker@au.ey.com and EY will get in touch as it is ready for download.
Crowdsourcing innovation software
Medallia’s Crowdicity provides a crowdsourcing innovation platform to capture and filter ideas from employees, stakeholders and partners to collaborate on innovation. This increases the cohesion, collaboration and speed at which they innovate their work practices, service and processes – including within the mining, utilities and engineering sectors where workforces are diverse and geographically dispersed.
In recognition of the challenges facing the Australian mining sector, Medallia has offered to provide this platform at no cost for three months to MCA members to assist engagement with workforces, community partners and others on dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.
There is no lock in or obligation to purchase the platform after the three-month trial. Here's more information on the initiative. If your company is interested, please contact Justin Noble from Medallia directly via jnoble@medallia.com or 0415 561 315.
Air Charter Services
A list of air charter companies with available aircraft – including Basic Aviation Risk (BAR) Standard Program (BARS) accreditation – is available here
MCA supported the establishment of BARS for the Australian mining industry in 2010 through our work with the Flight Safety Foundation
Decision-making and response formulation
Please see below a link to assist companies in making decisions regarding COVID-19
Please see below a link to assist companies in formulating a response.
Health information
Temperature screening
A guide on temperature screening has been developed by SACOME based on advice from Sitemed which conducts testing for a number of member companies.
As with other advice and guidance provided on the MCA’s website, the MCA accepts no liability for actions based on this advice. Companies should seek independent advice where available and appropriate.
For employers and employees
Please find below some material from the Commonwealth Department of Health.
Resources from the Department of Health: https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert/coronavirus-covid-19-resources
Posters: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/collections/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-resources#posters
Find the facts: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/collections/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-resources#find-the-facts
Mental health support
MATES in Mining recognises the potential impact of COVID-19 on our lives and on the mental health of workers in the mining industry.
While various training activities and site access might be limited in the coming period due to COVID-19, MATES in Mining is still very active and is here for the industry.
MATES in Mining will be working hard during this time to remain as connected as possible with the minerals workforce, mostly by phone, email and social media.
In terms of site visits (i.e. for Connector refreshers and general support visits etc.), MATES staff will be guided by companies in relation to current workplace policies and will of course adhere to all directives from the relevant health authorities.
Please find below some tip sheets and links about managing stress during this period which your workforce might find useful.
Connector and ASIST Worker support poster:
If you or your colleagues need help, the MATES in Mining 24/7 national help line number is 1300 642 111.
Life in Mind
Life in Mind (a government funded initiative under the Australian National Suicide Prevention Leadership and Support Program) has created a dedicated page with links to resources which are designed to support the mental health and wellbeing of those experiencing an indirect or direct impact from COVID-19: Mental health support for COVID-19