A significant rise in dangerous incidents involving lifting equipment prompted the Regulator to review recent events in the NSW mining industry.
Between mid-October and mid-November 2022 there were 7 lifting-related dangerous incidents, 4 of these occurring over 5 days. The incidents involved cranes, chain/lever hoists and self-propelled jigs, with a range of causes and contributing factors.
Five resulted in injuries including broken bones, amputation and head injuries. The other 2 were near misses requiring evasive action to avoid injury.
The Regulator recommends mines and coal handling facilities review their lifting, slinging, and craneage systems, as well as exclusion, drop, and swing zones, and retrain supervisors and workers in lifting, load transfer, and towing.
