The common difficulty I see is that businesses lack in the skill to identify them. Let's take a look at some common simultaneous operations:

* Drilling in an operational pit;
* Performing maintenance on equipment in operational areas;
* Watering mine roads;
* Performing maintenance in multiple storey facility whilst operations occurring; and
* Construction in operational areas.

So do all of these seem like everyday tasks? Have you previously identified them as Simultaneous Tasks? Are you asking where do I start? Well, ‘IT'S NOT THAT HARD', lets take a look at the basic steps:

1. Identify all Simultaneous Operations;
2. Perform Risk Assessment;
3. Assess and control risks;
4. Monitor the simultaneous tasks; and
5. Communicate the Control Measures.

Remember, COMMUNICATION IS THE KEY TO PERFORMING THESE TASKS SAFELY.

What are the benefits of performing this work?

1. By identifying all Simultaneous Operations we are able to manage risks;
2. Performing risk assessments will allow you to identify all risks introduced by the task;
3. Assessing determines the level of risk you are subjecting your workforce to. Controlling risks minimises the level of harm that could impact business, health, safety and environment.
4. Monitoring the tasks will allow you to verify that the controls are in place and adequate. If you identify that the controls are not adequate STOP WORK and review the identified controls in the risk assessment; and
5. The only way controls will be effective is if all persons involved in the tasks understand and implement the control measures.

The steps identified are re-enforcing basic risk management principals. Ask yourself, does business effectively manage the risks of Simultaneous Operations?

Currently, identifying and controlling Simultaneous Operations is not a legislative requirement. However, the major companies are introducing this requirement into all operations.

So, why wait until legislation catches up to what out major companies in Australia have identified as a major risk.

I believe that it is the responsibility of all employers to protect the Health and Safety of their employees. The only way we can effectively fulfil this, is to identify and control risks.