A drill rig on a continuous miner was being used to do the job when the documented process nominated another method, according to a report by Mine Safety NSW.

Mines should consider alternative methods for installing ancillary items on to roof bolts other than the CM drill rig. Drill rigs should only be used for the design function. Any variation of use of drill rigs should follow change management procedures.

In another incident, a serious near miss incident occurred when an equipment operator was grazed by the front wheel of a Cat 785 dump truck while he was on the ground conducting pre-start checks on the vehicle.

Another operator had incorrectly assumed he was allocated this same truck and after completing his pre-start checks had entered the cabin and drove the truck away from the Go-Line without realising another operator was inspecting the same truck.

“The mine operator must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the workplace or means of entering or exiting the workplace are without risk to the health and safety of persons,” Mine Safety NSW warned.

“The mine operator must also ensure the provision and maintenance of safe systems of work and ensure adequate instruction, training and supervision is provided to protect all persons from risks to their health and safety.

“Management have a duty to identify hazards and implement risk control measures to minimise the risk to the health and safety of workers.

“Examples of risk controls are: appropriate segregation distances between trucks, delineated walkways, formally allocated trucks, sequencing of truck/operator despatching.”