New findings from Gallagher have underscored that in Australia’s drilling sector, leadership and workplace culture remain decisive factors in preventing serious incidents – more so than compliance paperwork alone.
This was presented at the 2025 Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC) WA Work Health and Safety Spotlight, where Gallagher Workplace Risk expert Andy Campbell joined industry peers to examine the most pressing safety risks.
According to Gallagher, while industry frameworks have reduced injuries linked to manual handling, fatal hazards tied to vehicle use, mobile equipment interaction, and thermal stress still require greater attention. Campbell noted that statutory supervision requirements under Schedule 26 can only be effective if supervisors, especially those working in remote exploration programs, have both the capability and support to lead effectively.
The report also pointed to the varied operational landscapes in drilling, where contractors often bear the bulk of workplace health and safety responsibilities. Smaller projects may lack dedicated safety teams, while large-scale programs can have full-time health, safety, and environment staff. Gallagher said this disparity makes clear and consistent communication between principals and contractors essential.
Technology is playing a growing role in risk management, with equipment designed to eliminate manual rod handling and AI-integrated CCTV for monitoring exclusion zones or detecting fatigue. However, Gallagher noted that high capital costs, retrofitting challenges, and issues such as false positives continue to limit adoption.
Uniform standards in training, equipment maintenance, and machinery parts can help reduce risk, but Gallagher stressed that a strong safety culture is the factor that most consistently determines outcomes.
“Safety culture comes from the top, but is lived on the ground,” Campbell said.
