Western Australia’s mining accommodation have come a long way since the days of company towns or tents near a mine site. Providing accommodation for mine workers in remote locations is required by law under the Mines and Safety Inspection Act of 1994. However, Western Australia has standards for workers’ housing.
Requirements for Mine Worker Accommodation
Providing quarters for fly-in fly-out (FIFO) mining employees like labourers, technicians, trades, machine operators, and geologists for example is a necessity. In order to meet the government standards, as well as maintain worker safety and morale, these are the minimum requirements:
- Buildings that serve as housing must be in good repair and separated from environmental contaminants, excessive temperatures, and noise
- Safe entryways and exits are required as well as an emergency safety plan for evacuations
- Sanitary areas for food prep, storage, refrigeration, and dining
- Adequate toilet, shower, and laundry facilities
- Access to clean water must exist separate from toilet facilities
- Furnishings are well maintained and in good repair
- Sufficient lighting, ventilation, and climate control
Transportables can meet and in most cases, exceed these requisites as well as all other mandated safety regulations.
Why Use Transportables for Your Mining Camp?
While it is true that you have options when it comes to your mining facilities and accommodation, hiring transportables gives quality and flexibility at a fair price.
- Versatility – If you are just starting a new mine site, you will need your infrastructure to grow along with you. Traditional building methods cannot match the speed that comes with transportables. Even if your site is many kilometres away from the nearest civilisation, you will be able to count on being able to expand your site as needed.
- Customisation – You are the best judge of what your crew needs to be comfortable in their home away from home. Perhaps you would rather have several smaller buildings for housing as opposed to one large barracks. You might think about a game room where your workers can relax a bit after a long day. Some camps have a building dedicated to fitness equipment. Using transportables allows you to be as simple or creative as you like.
- Mobility – The unexpected can sometimes force even the best-laid plans to change. Being able to reconfigure or relocate your camp is a huge benefit. Whether you are downsizing or transitioning elsewhere, a reputable transportable company will be able to help you with the necessary changes.
- Low Maintenance – Sturdy and durable transportables require minimal upkeep. Aside from regular cleaning, you will not need to worry about maintaining the buildings.
Uses of Transportables in Mining Camps
The beauty of transportables comes from the way a single space can fit so many needs when properly modified. This list is the minimum of what a well-equipped camp needs to run smoothly.
- Housing – A place for workers to sleep the first and foremost use of transportables that comes to mind.
- Offices – While you are far from your home office, you will need a place dedicated to your basic office needs.
- Medical Hut – Workers who are ill or injured need a space where they can receive treatment in quiet private surroundings
- Kitchen – Transportables will meet your staff’s needs for a sanitary area for meal preparations. Keeping up with demands for food will be easy for your cooking crew when outfitted with restaurant-quality utensils, storage, refrigeration, freezer, ovens, cooktops, and dishwashers.
- Dining Hall – Workers will appreciate a comfortable dining area large enough to accommodate a crowd
- Laundry – Commercial-grade washing machines and dryers will stand up to large loads of heavily soiled clothing.
- Shower/Toilet Facilities – This is an area where you do not want to skimp. These facilities are made to be easy to clean and durable
How Transportables Can Help Your Business Attract Skilled Workers
If your business is a part of the Western Australia mining industry, you know that skilled labourers can be worth their weight in gold, nickel, or iron ore. As competition for these workers increases, businesses are looking for ways to gain an edge over other companies.
Companies are trying various adjustments to make these difficult jobs more attractive to workers. While more flexible FIFO schedules are great, making sure your workers are comfortable while on the job site is not something you should overlook.
By keeping your workers’ needs in mind and working with a reputable transportables company, your mining camp will run efficiently and safely.