The miner suffered a fracture of the vertebral column.

“Where there is potential for material to fall from a height and result in injury, the area should be classified as a danger zone and appropriate guards and warning signs must be provided,” the MSU warned. “Workers should be trained and competent in the use of blower extraction systems and the equipment should be fit-for-purpose.”

In another incident, a small localised ground failure from an open cut high-wall occurred during night shift.

Rocks from the failure fell onto the access ramp. No personnel were in the open cut at time of failure.

The open cut had been closed prior to failure due to the rainfall TARP being implemented at start of night shift. The failure was observed by geotechnical personnel doing a pre-shift inspection for the start of day shift. The area was cordoned off and further geotechnical assistance sought.

“The mechanisms for all slope failures should be investigated and established by competent personnel,” the MSU said. “Back analyses of the failures should be compared with mine design criteria, and actual construction, and corrective actions implemented if similar future failures could present a health and safety risk to personnel.”