The NSW Resources Regulator has highlighted the risks of unintended plant movement after a worker was injured while working on a raised platform at an underground metals mine.
The incident involved a service crew worker carrying out tasks from a man basket attached to a loader. While working at height, the worker lost balance and fell backwards onto a length of reinforcement bar (reo) protruding from a bucket below.
The worker was impaled for a brief period, sustaining an internal cut that required four stitches.
According to the regulator, the elevated basket was being controlled by another worker on the ground using a radio handpiece. The handpiece was being held between the worker’s legs, with its cord wrapped around the loader joystick.
When the worker moved, the cord engaged the joystick, causing the basket to move suddenly and without warning.
The unexpected movement caused the worker in the basket to lose balance and fall onto the exposed reo.
In its recommendations, the regulator said mechanical engineering control plans should address the risk of unintended plant operation, particularly where workers are carrying out tasks from raised platforms.
Mine operators have been encouraged to assess whether the equipment being used is appropriate for the task and, where reasonably practicable, consider purpose-built elevated work platforms (EWPs) designed specifically for working at heights.
The regulator also highlighted the importance of training and competency, reminding operators to remain focused on the equipment under their control and the task being performed.
Housekeeping was also identified as a contributing safety consideration, with the regulator recommending that materials stored in buckets or work areas do not protrude in a way that could create additional hazards for workers nearby.
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