Summary: Two workers were calibrating a weather station and were lowering the mast. The mast has a pivot point (5 metres off the ground) to allow access to the equipment. One of the supporting wires broke, causing the mast to fall uncontrolled to the ground opposite to where the workers were standing. The weight of the station was 40 to 50 kg. No- one was injured. The weather station was broken beyond repair.
Recommendations to industry: Mine operators, contract companies and project managers should review the life cycle management of all plant, including potential deterioration due to exposure to weather.