A worker at an underground metals mine in New South Wales is recovering from injuries following an incident with an angle grinder, prompting warnings to take care when using power tools.
The worker was using an angle grinder to cut grid mesh when he repositioned the mesh on its edge to cut off some remaining tags.
As the worker was placing the angle grinder on the ground, the grid mesh shifted, striking his right arm, which pushed the hand holding the angle grinder into the back of his lower right leg.
This resulted in two lacerations and impacted underlying tissue. The worker had surgery to repair his Achilles tendon.
The NSW Resources Regulator investigated and cautioned workers to take extra care when handling power tools.
“Angle grinders can be a dangerous power tool,” the Regulator said. “When carrying our grinding activities, mine operators should have safe work practices in place and workers trained in those practices.
“During grinding activities, the work piece should be held firmly.”
Another underground metals mine elsewhere in the state experienced a brief fire on site last week while an underground haul truck was being refuelled.
A breather hose came loose from a pipe, resulting in atomised diesel interacting with a hot surface, causing flames to erupt that were quickly stanched without injury.
“Mine operators should ensure that risk control measures to prevent underground fires are implemented and remain effective,” the Regulator said.
“Inspection regimes and housekeeping standards should be routinely examined to ensure minimum standards are met or exceeded.
“Mine operators should also ensure stringent monitoring and quality control of maintenance and repair activities.”
Subscribe to Safe to Work for the safety news that matters most to the Australian mining industry.