A DEPARTMENT of Mines and Energy (DME) Mines inspectorate safety alert has warned of the dangers of rock-fall from unsupported ground.
The inspectorate released the alert after a miner taking survey measurements on an open cut bench was struck by a falling rock from the dig face.
The alert suggests all unsupported mined faces should be considered hazardous, particularly dig faces where material is being mined without any attempt to stabilise the ground.
According to the alert, personnel should not work in close proximity to the dig face unless they are in a vehicle with suitable falling object protection.
The DME recommends that mines review any task which involves working around dig faces or against unsupported walls and consider removing workers from dangerous areas.
Key contact:
Rob O’Sullivan
Inspector of Mines
Rob.Osullivan@dme.qld.gov.au
www.dme.qld.gov.au