Mining companies often promote safety as their number one priority. Local mines also heavily promote safety in and out of the workplace.

A crane toppling at Wilpinjong Coal is the type of accident not often heard about at mines or in the general public. This is because safety measures are in place and it does not often happen.

As many workplaces know, no matter how many safety measures are in place, something will go wrong or the safety system will break down eventually.

This is where the onus is on many workplaces to continue to implement strategies in counteracting potential disasters.

The fact no one was injured as a result of the crane falling at the Wilpinjong mine is a credit to Peabody Energy, its workers, trainers and the company. It’s also a credit to the Mine Safety Advisory Council who recently launched a campaign promoting safety in this region.

The accident might have been preventable or the causes may have been something everybody has overlooked.

But you can never be careful enough when in the workplace. Whether it is a mine or the local newspaper, potential workplace hazards confront us every day.

It is how we manage and prevent these hazards that is credit to the staff which put such measures in place.

When you turn up to work today, take a look around. Is everything as safe as it should be? Where is a hazard that may bring you undone? Changing something so small may save a life.