A preliminary report has been released today by the NSW Resources Regulator into the recent Bengalla mine fatality.
The NSWRR advised that a worker was fatally injured when a large earthmoving tyre fell from a tyre handler at the mine’s heavy vehicle wash bay.
The Regulator said that at 7.20pm on 3 November 2018, the worker, 37, suffered fatal injuries when a large earthmoving tyre, weighing about 2.2 tonnes fell onto him at the mine’s heavy vehicle wash bay.
The worker and another worker had removed the tyre from a water cart at a service bay with the tyre handler. The tyre handler was then used to take the tyre to the nearby wash bay for cleaning. At some point during the cleaning process, the tyre fell onto the worker.
Other workers responded to the scene and initiated the mine’s emergency response procedures.
The NSW Police and emergency services responded to the incident. Resources Regulator inspectors and investigators also responded and commenced a major investigation to determine the cause and circumstances of the incident. The mine operator and contractor are cooperating with the investigation. An investigation report will be prepared for the Secretary of the Department of Planning and Environment and the NSW Coroner.
This incident reinforces the importance of implementing effective risk control measures when working near suspended loads and lifting equipment. Mine and petroleum site operators and contractors are reminded of their duty to identify hazards and manage risks to health and safety associated with the operation of suspended loads and lifting equipment in accordance with the provisions of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and Work Health and Safety (Mines and Petroleum Sites) Act 2013 and Regulations.
Mine operators and contractors must have effective safety management systems in place and identify risks associated with the operation of lifting equipment such as tyre handlers.
When managing these risks, mine operators and contractors must have regard to the possibility of interactions between the lifting equipment, the load and people, and falling objects.
Appropriate separation distances between the lifting equipment, the load and people must be maintained. Work areas must be clearly defined, and appropriate exclusions zones must be effectively maintained in the event of an uncontrolled release of the load from the lifting equipment. Mine operators and contractors must also ensure that workers are provided with information, training and supervision when working around lifting equipment and suspended loads.
The NSW Resources Regulator Report is here
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