Regulator releases Glendell fatality report

December 17, 2018 JOHN NINNESS

The NSW Resources Regulator has release a report into the Glendell fatality involving a 39 year old articulated dump truck operator who passed away while working on a mine rehabilitation project

According to reports the worker was driving an articulated dump truck as part of rehabilitation activities at the mine. After being loaded with topsoil, the dump truck was seen to veer off the haul road and come to a stop about 250 metres away. The driver was found unresponsive and died despite the efforts of his co-workers and ambulance officers to resuscitate him.

The Glendell Open Cut Mine is at Ravensworth, in the Upper Hunter Valley, about 25 kilometres northwest of Singleton, NSW. The mine is owned and managed by Mt Owen Pty Limited, on behalf of Glencore Coal Australia Pty Limited.

The worker, aged 39, was employed by a contractor at the site.
The worker was operating an articulated dump truck to move topsoil as part of regeneration works at the mine. After being loaded with topsoil, nearby co-workers observed the dump truck veer off the haul road and cross a contour drain. The dump truck continued a further 250 metres across rehabilitated land before
coming to a stop. The co-workers rushed to the scene and found the worker unresponsive in the dump truck cabin. Attempts to resuscitate the worker were unsuccessful.

Investigation outcome

The NSW Resources Regulator has conducted an investigation into the circumstances of the worker’s death. As a result of the information obtained during the investigation, the Resources Regulator does not consider the worker’s death to be work-related. The CFMEU have previously advised media that the worker suffered a heart attack while operating the equipment.

Safety observations from NSW Regulator

  • Mine and petroleum site operators are reminded of their duty to identify hazards and manage risks to health and safety 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 should have effective health monitoring programs in place to ensure workers are healthy and fit to work at mining operations and in mine environments. Regular medical examinations should be undertaken by qualified medical practitioners.
  • Persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) should provide information to workers about healthy lifestyles and fitness-for-work programs.
  • Workers should maintain a healthy lifestyle and be fit to undertake the work they perform.

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