Industrial - Bachelor
DUSTTAG is a systemic intervention that aims to improve
the safety of workers in dust prevalent Australian mine
sites. The real time, personalised unit, develops a profile for
each user to break habits and reduce the stigma of dust in
the workplace.
The Australian Mining sector plays a significant role in shaping the country’s economic portfolio with 12% GDP and 60% of total resource output (RBA, 2025). In doing so it upholds the livelihoods of 1.2 million people directly working within the industry (AUSIMM, 2025) plus those indirectly in support and benefit. Mining activities span environments from the coal rich areas of the Bowen basin in Queensland to the expansive iron ore fields in the Pilbara area of Western Australia. Each area possesses different environmental challenges however dust control is an ever-constant barrier across all sites.
Despite significant state led regulation developments in 2015 extreme cases of pneumoconiosis ‘black lung’ and silicosis, once considered eradicated before 2015 has seen consistent rises in cases (Monash University, 2020). This has brought into question current federal regulation, the stigma surrounding dust protection and possible oversights in modern mining practices
Through primary and secondary research conducted across 14 competing products, 18 surveys and 3 interviews, gaps where highlighted within the current market. Existing products provide low connectivity options at significant costs. This is especially prevalent in products which focus on the breathing zone in and around the mouth.
Onsite personnel highlighted growing concerns with dust control measures and the lack of real time data. Whilst researchers voiced concerns on micro-small contractor adoption of current statutory practices and associated barriers. As well as the overall poor stigma surrounding dust inhalation due to the delayed onset nature of the illness.
The regulator formed the view that the worker was exposed to airborne dusts at several mines and coking operations during his career, as such it would be unable to determine the origin, cause and circumstances of the illness. Matter Closed.
NSW Resources Body 2021
On a construction site, A lot of hazards are very easily identifiable. You fall over and break your arm, that’s a hazard. Something falls from a height, that’s a hazard, but something where there’s no immediate feedback process, this is (dust) a hazard that has no immediate feedback. You won’t know until 5-10, 20-50, years from now
Subject matter Researcher
I think what the struggle with it all is it’s all reactive. You go, okay. RD326, now has an action to get its cab seals re-down, and it’s been like that for the last three weeks. Cool, great. Everybody’s already been exposed
Health & Safety Facilitator
Four key opportunities were highlighted from the research focusing on improving data collection and associated training. Option three was ultimately chosen because it aligned with research and could assist with supporting the other opportunities due to improved data collection.
Across the project length, the design opportunity was developed into a final fit for purpose product through traditional design techniques. This included sketching, ergonomic testing, user centred journey mapping and prototyping.
DUST TAG is designed for mass manufacturing in mind with injection molded ABS outers and an aluminum CNC frame. Introducing the aluminum frame ensures the unit is durable within a mining context. Whilst overall assembly takes 6 bolts for easy serviceability. The battery unit can be hot swap or dock charged ensuring the unit can keep up with the 24/7 operation of the mine site.
Ryan is a system focused industrial designer and mechatronic engineer who believes in the impactful benefits of design theory and applied engineering in complex environments, business and communities. With a passion for the automotive, energy and resource industries, Ryan has worked on a breadth of projects from coffee machines to autonomous mining equipment.