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What happened?
A group of workers were cutting grass on the side of a pollution control dam.
One of the workers sat on a flexible pipe that feeds water into the dam.
The flexible pipe gave away and the worker slid into the dam.
Despite rescue attempts from their colleagues (rescue rope, life buoy), the worker disappeared under the water.
The body was recovered whilst they were waiting for the rescue divers.
Paramedics arrived at the scene but were unable to revive the worker.
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Why did it happen?
The worker was in a dangerous position and should not have sat on the flexible piping (not in their safe working place).
The worker was not wearing or using correct protective equipment.
There was no risk assessment/awareness of the dangers of the task.
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What did they learn?
Implement regular inspections of all dams to ensure they are up to standard.
Ensure appropriate permits to work and control measures are in place (see image):
- locked access gates (1)
- fencing with signage (2)
- safety netting with floats installed on the edge of dams (3)
- suitable PPE (4 - life jackets and life ring)
Ensure all workers are aware of their need for safety compliance.
- Make sure communication across all mine sites are clear and efficient.
Risks in so called ‘low risk’ areas should not be neglected.
- Should be treated as risks in ‘high risk’ areas underground.
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Ask yourself or your crew
What hazards do you need to consider when working on a mining site?
How can you check if all risks for today’s activities have been assessed?
What risks are considered ‘tolerable’ for today’s task? Is there anything else we should consider?
What should you do if you see your colleagues working without suitable PPE?
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What happened?
A group of workers were cutting grass on the side of a pollution control dam.
One of the workers sat on a flexible pipe that feeds water into the dam.
The flexible pipe gave away and the worker slid into the dam.
Despite rescue attempts from their colleagues (rescue rope, life buoy), the worker disappeared under the water.
The body was recovered whilst they were waiting for the rescue divers.
Paramedics arrived at the scene but were unable to revive the worker.
Why did it happen?
The worker was in a dangerous position and should not have sat on the flexible piping (not in their safe working place).
The worker was not wearing or using correct protective equipment.
There was no risk assessment/awareness of the dangers of the task.
What did they learn?
Implement regular inspections of all dams to ensure they are up to standard.
Ensure appropriate permits to work and control measures are in place (see image):
- locked access gates (1)
- fencing with signage (2)
- safety netting with floats installed on the edge of dams (3)
- suitable PPE (4 - life jackets and life ring)
Ensure all workers are aware of their need for safety compliance.
- Make sure communication across all mine sites are clear and efficient.
Risks in so called ‘low risk’ areas should not be neglected.
- Should be treated as risks in ‘high risk’ areas underground.
Ask yourself or your crew
What hazards do you need to consider when working on a mining site?
How can you check if all risks for today’s activities have been assessed?
What risks are considered ‘tolerable’ for today’s task? Is there anything else we should consider?
What should you do if you see your colleagues working without suitable PPE?
A group of workers were cutting grass on the side of a pollution control dam. One of the workers sat on a flexible pipe that feeds water into the dam – the pipe gave away, allowing the worker to slid into the dam and drown.
