Closed ATM View - PROC-9177109
Technical innovations to improve OH&S outcomes
Contract Administrator - Enabling Technologies
: 08 9230 4600
Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane, Darwin, Hobart
This investment seeks to enhance safety across the grains industry by leveraging innovative technologies that adhere to the hierarchy of controls (Appendix 1). The GRDC is specifically interested in proposals that prioritize the elimination of hazards at their source, moving beyond reliance on behavioural adjustments or administrative controls. Technological solutions—particularly those driven by automation and connected systems—are anticipated to play a crucial role in reducing safety risks and advancing the industry’s overall safety standards.
To achieve these goals, the GRDC invites proposals that address key safety risks in grains production through targeted technological interventions. These risks include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Machinery and Equipment Hazards:
o Tractors and Harvesters: Solutions for preventing rollovers, reducing entanglements, and avoiding collisions with obstacles (e.g., power lines).
o Augers and Grain Handling Equipment: Innovations that minimize the risk of entanglement in moving parts.
2. Grain Storage Hazards:
o Grain Silo Entrapment: Solutions that prevent workers from becoming trapped in flowing grain.
o Dust Exposure and Explosions: Innovations that minimize exposure to fine grain particles and reduce explosion risks.
o Confined Spaces: Enhancements in ventilation and monitoring systems to prevent exposure to toxic gases.
3. Chemical Exposure:
o Pesticides and Herbicides: Technologies that reduce exposure to hazardous chemicals both prior to and during application.
o Fertilizers: Safer handling solutions to prevent chemical burns and inhalation risks.
4. Manual Handling and Ergonomics:
o Heavy Lifting: Mechanization and robotics to reduce lifting-related injuries.
o Repetitive Strain: Ergonomic innovations in tools and machinery to reduce strain.
5. Working at Heights:
o Silos and Grain Bins: Safety measures to avoid or mitigate falls during maintenance.
6. Fatigue and Distraction:
o Long Hours: Solutions for managing worker fatigue, especially during peak periods.
o Distraction: Systems that reduce distractions and improve task focus.
7. Fire Hazards:
o Combustible Materials and Machinery: Fire prevention innovations in material storage and machinery.
o Bushfires: Solutions addressing bushfire risks, including those caused by lightning strikes.
8. Vehicle Accidents:
o On-Farm Traffic: Traffic safety improvements and collision avoidance technologies.
o Road Transport: Enhanced safety during machinery and material transport on public roads.
9. Weather-Related Risks:
o Heat Stress: Technologies that protect workers from heat-related illnesses through monitoring, hydration systems, and cooling aids.
10. Isolation:
o Remote Work: Communication and safety monitoring enhancements for isolated workers using connected technologies.
The GRDC invites submissions from stakeholders who can offer breakthrough safety innovations for Australia’s grain growers and encourages solutions that are practical, cost-effective, avoid duplication and easily integrable into current farming operations. Additionally, proposals should consider scalability, including the diversity of farming systems and environmental conditions across Australia, ensuring safety solutions cater to the needs of different farm types.
This open call is not limited to the examples provided; innovative approaches that address any aspect of on-farm safety in grains production are welcome. The GRDC seeks to collaborate with external experts to continue leading the industry towards a safer, more innovative future.
Applicants are invited to submit their proposal to the Grains Investment Portal using the Proposal template provided (max 8 pages). The template requires applicants to address evaluation criteria which proposals will be evaluated by.
For the avoidance of doubt, any references to Request for Tender (RFT) Terms and Conditions on the GRDC Website and the Grains Investment Portal should be taken as the Terms and Conditions for this Request for Proposal (RFP).
The following are mandatory conditions with which a Tenderer must comply to participate in this procurement process:
1. The Tenderer and any subcontractor must not be named on the Consolidated List, being the list of persons and entities who are subject to targeted financial sanctions or travel bans under Australian sanction laws, as maintained by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
2. The Tenderer and any subcontractor must not have a judicial decision against it (not including decisions under appeal) relating to employee entitlements and who have not paid the claim.
3. The Tenderer must be a single legal entity or recognised firm of partners
4. The Tenderer and any proposed subcontractor must be compliant with the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012, Modern Slavery Act 2018 and any other applicable labour laws and standards in the jurisdiction in which they operate.
5. In accordance with the Black Economy Procurement Connected Policy, a Tenderer must include a satisfactory and valid Statement of Tax Records (STR). If the total value of all work under any proposed subcontract is expected to be equal to or above $1 million (inclusive of GST), also include a separate satisfactory and valid STR of that proposed subcontractor.
Not applicable
All applications must be submitted via the GRDC Grains Investment Portal https://access.grdc.com.au/ by 5pm Canberra local time on 18 October 2024.
Contract Administrator - Enabling Technologies
: 08 9230 4600