Injuries and incidents highlighted in mining report

A NSW Resources Regulator incident summary has highlighted multiple safety incidents that have recently occurred in the mining sector.

According to the summary, there were 25 reportable safety incidents in the industry during the week ending 8 February.

In one case, a worker suffered a broken leg while carrying out maintenance activities. The report said he was using the shearer haulage to pull a flight bar when the rud link on the shearer failed and struck him on the lower part of his leg.

During a separate incident, a worker suffered fractures to her hand when the frame of the basket she was working in contacted a rock wall surface. During the incident, a service crew was working in a decline to de-isolate services. The injured operator was holding the edge of the basket when it hit the hall and injured her hand.

A further dangerous incident occurred at a limestone quarry, when the shell of a rotating lime kiln was compromised. Hot material subsequently spilled into the girth gear grease, which caught fire. In this instance, the flames were extinguished and no injuries were reported.

The report also references an incident during which an experienced operator was undertaking work moving a dragline cable using a Merlo 2448. While undertaking this task, the Merlo overturned and fortunately the operator was able to escape from the vehicle. The apparent cause of the rollover was an unexpected cable movement.

The NSW Resources Regulator is reminding businesses to exercise due diligence and to ensure all work processes are compliant with work health and safety obligations.

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