Safety first at Abra
Endurance continues to prioritise a strong safety record, with an ongoing commitment to identifying and implementing new initiatives to improve safety for all.
With the Abra mine in production and exploration of other tenements underway, Endurance has undertaken several measures to reinforce its commitment to, and execution of safety, across every aspect of operations.
About 260km from Meekatharra in the Mid-West, Abra’s location is relatively remote. Like many explorers and miners, there are no significant medical services nearby.
The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) plays a critical role across Australia, providing vital access to services for those who don’t have other options.
In remote Western Australia, the RFDS is integral to the health and safety of the local community, pastoralists, the mining and resources industry, and regional workers, transporting sick and injured people when medical help is required. The passion and dedication of the RFDS has a profound impact across our communities.
To support the ongoing operations of the RFDS, Endurance recently announced a $30,000 donation to support their services.
“Due to the remoteness of the area, the RFDS provides invaluable services in transporting sick and injured people to medical help. They are an important part of Abra’s safety preparedness plans, and we’re grateful for their services,” said Endurance Executive General Manager Craig Fawcett.
“We have always ensured the RFDS can access Abra’s private airstrip when coming to the aid of local pastoralists and the community. This donation of $30,000 is another way to directly support their ongoing operations.”
“While no-one ever wants to have to call on the RFDS, they provide critical connectivity to medical services, which is highly reassuring for anyone living and working in remote areas.”
Right from the Start
With safety at the forefront of all operations, Endurance is ensuring on-site safety with the introduction of the on-site Right from the Start safety course.
The course complements initial safety training undertaken by all staff and contractors before they arrive at Abra, supporting the learning and development of our team and reinforcing the Company’s physical and psychosocial safety expectations.
The program, rolled out at the end of 2025 and run bi-monthly, ensures that every employee and contractor has a consistent understanding of Abra’s safety expectations.
“The Right from the Start program has been a great initiative as it makes sure we are reinforcing safety and making sure everyone is committed to safety on-site. Feedback has been really positive,” said Workplace Health and Safety Manager Douglas McFarlane.
“Encouragingly, over the past 12 months we have seen a reduction in our TRIFR from 7.1 in FY25 to 4.6 in FY26. That is a fantastic result we want to see continue. Safety never stops, so we are continuing to look for safety measures that improve safety performance across the board.”
Wellbeing support
We know that our staff and contractors come to site and are away from their families and loved ones for extended periods. Last year, we shifted to a 7/7 roster, to provide a more family and lifestyle friendly roster option, which has been embraced by staff.
“The 7/7 roster really does reduce the risk of isolation from family that can occur with longer rosters and reduces fatigue from long-stints on-site. The shorter roster is one of the ways we’re working to support the mental health of the Endurance team and also supports our ongoing commitment to on-site safety.”
To further support onsite wellness, Abra has a gym, a running/walking track, a multipurpose basketball court, and periodic site-based entertainment.
“We want our people to feel as comfortable as possible while at site, and health and fitness play an important role,” said McFarlane.
Staff also have access to Endurance’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP), with a new provider extending the available services to include counselling, dietician support, financial counselling, psychosocial, supervisor and leadership support and critical incident response support.
“There are so many variables in safety, which is why we continue to look at it from every angle we can. A workplace free from harm is an expectation at Endurance. We believe it’s achievable not by luck but high standards, and an ongoing commitment from all. We collectively work on ensuring that outcome every day,” said McFarlane.
