By Brook Sabin Underground mining is a high risk industry and while the Pike River Royal Commission has highlighted previous safety issues at the Pike River mine, a 3 News investigation has revealed almost 40 serious incidents in the past two years at other mines throughout the country.
Ranging from fires underground to serious injuries – such as a broken back – and even one worker falling asleep at the wheel of a mining vehicle, documents supplied under the Official Information Act have revealed 37 serious incidents, including 13 incidents involving fire or heating issues.
See the documents here
“I think it is a concern and reflects the kind of concerns that have come out of the Royal Commission into the Pike River disaster,” says mine safety adviser, Dave Feickert.
The papers reveal 10 incidents of miners losing control of their vehicles and eight serious incidents of roof falls - including a large slab of coal hitting the head of a worker who shook, vomited and then fell unconscious. In a separate incident an even larger slab fell, breaking a miner’s back.
“We desperately need a mining culture in which safety is absolutely paramount – and we don’t have that yet,” says West Coast based MP Kevin Hague.
The Department of Labour, however, insists it is getting on top of mine safety
“We recognise within the department we can improve, that’s the reason why the high hazards unit has been setup – that’s why I’m over from Queensland to assist, to make sure we have the best possible regulations,” says Gavin Taylor, the acting chief mines inspector who heads the newly established high hazards unit.
And Mr Taylor has already made his mark, closing a mine due to safety issues earlier in the week, and telling others they need to improve.
3 News