Conclusions:
Aerial campaigns such as aerial locust control operations are conducted in relatively
hazardous environments that also have the potential to be high-risk environments. Campaign
control organisations are directly involved in numerous aspects of the aerial component of
these campaigns and can increase or decrease the risk of these operations.
While the aerial component of the operation is provided by an aerial contractor, the campaign
control organisation is in a central position to understand the big picture. The adoption of
good systems for managing risk by the contracting organisation can provide an effective
additional layer of defences over and above that provided by each operator to protect against
an incident or accident.
Many complex organisations operating in a hazardous environment, such as major public air
transport companies, recognise the influence they have on safety. While they may subcontract
many safety-critical aspects of their operations these organisations still maintain an interest in
the safety of these operations and proactively manage safety beyond what is required by
regulation. Similar methods can be effective for mitigating risk in aerial campaigns.
The focus of this paper is on aviation safety, but it is recognised that there are hazards in other
components of a campaign. For example, in the case of locust, there are hazards associated
with ground vehicles and chemical application. However, risk management processes can
guide the organisation towards the lowest risk solution to a problem if they are integrated into
all aspects of an operation.
After the two helicopters accidents involved in locust control in NSW in October and
November 2004, the organisation overseeing these operations has advised the ATSB that it
has taken considerable steps towards safer operations by developing more comprehensive
safety management systems. The organisation has consulted widely with aviation industry
bodies, aerial operators and other government departments and has developed risk controls
based on a risk management approach to the entire locust control campaign.
At the time of publication of this research paper, the ATSB has released investigation reports
for the Mudgee (BO/200404285) and Forbes (BO/200404286) accidents. The fatal accident
in Dunedoo (BO/200404590) is still under investigation. The ATSB is also conducting
further research into wire strike accidents. The results of this research will be released in the second half of 2005.
For the full report with pictures and map:
http://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/investigation_reports/2004/AAIR/pdf/aair200404590_001.pdf