Mining

WHS Management for Exploration Drilling

Manage drill rig safety, remote work hazards, silica exposure, and environmental risks across mineral and resource exploration programs.

Exploration drilling operations present a unique combination of mechanical hazards from drill rigs, remote work risks from operating in isolated locations, silica dust exposure from drilling quartz-bearing formations, and environmental hazards including wildlife encounters, extreme weather, and difficult terrain. Drill rig entanglement remains a leading cause of serious injury in exploration, with rotating drill strings, rod handlers, and wireline systems all presenting entrapment risks. Remote locations mean that emergency medical response times can extend to hours, significantly increasing the consequence severity of any injury. A dedicated WHS management plan ensures your exploration drilling program addresses rig safety, remote work, atmospheric exposure, and environmental hazards.

Key Hazards

Drill rig entanglement in rotating drill string, chuck, and rod handlerRemote work with extended emergency response timesSilica dust from drilling quartz-bearing rock formations (WEL reducing 50%)Manual handling of drill rods, casing, and core traysEnvironmental hazards — wildlife, extreme heat, flooding, bushfireVehicle incidents on unsealed access tracks in remote terrain

Regulatory Requirements

HRCW Categories

Work near powered mobile plant, remote and isolated work, hazardous chemical exposure

Section 26A Codes (binding 1 July 2026)
Managing Respirable Crystalline SilicaManaging Risks of Plant in the WorkplaceHazardous Manual Tasks

SWMS Required

Drilling BlastingWater Cart Dust SuppressionHaul Truck Operation

Related Sectors

Surface MiningMetalliferousQuarry

Need Help with Exploration Drilling WHS?

We help exploration companies develop compliant WHS systems covering drill rig safety, remote work procedures, and silica dust management programs.

Contact Us