Mining competition gains the upper glove hand

Vehicle extrication, firefighting, first aid, hazchem, confined space, rope rescue and plenty more real-life scenarios will be used to test the skills of the emergency response teams from a range of mining operations across Western Australia as they battle it out to be the overall winner at the third annual Mining Emergency Response Competition (MERC).

All the action of MERC is open to the public, providing a valuable opportunity for attendees to see the hard work and dedication of the emergency response teams, who ensure that in the case of an emergency we will have safe workplaces and communities around Australia.

There are only a few work activities that do not involve hands. 63% of all workplace injuries are hand and finger related and the average direct cost of a single hand injury is over $8000 - proving how essential hand safety is. This year, Performance On Hand has offered all competitors high-performance safety gloves.

MERC Committee Member and Performance On Hand Managing Director Damione Wright has been a part of this event for the past three years and emphasises that hand safety is vital in these emergency situations.

“Teams will be enduring threats from fire, glass, debris and tools whilst being under the extreme pressure of competition. The potential for injury is always there. Performance On Hand is proud to be involved and providing essential hand safety solutions to all the brave competitors at MERC,” said Wright.

MERC will be held over the weekend from 21-22 September at Langley Park in Perth, Western Australia.

All proceeds raised at MERC will be donated to Miners’ Promise - an organisation assisting families and individuals with financial and benevolent support after they are confronted with the death or permanent disability of a family member employed in Australia’s resource industry.

For further information about the event, visit www.themerc.com.au.