Working from rills | Resources Safety & Health Queensland
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Mines safety alert no. 316 | 13 April 2015 | Version 1

Working from rills

What happened?

Two workers were standing on a draw point rill, installing a dust suppression water spray. During the installation, rill material slumped causing a worker to fall and slide down the rill. A large rock (estimated at 400kg) rolled over him resulting in a dislocated hip, three fractured vertebrae, lacerations and abrasions.

Unfortunately, the injured worker died 2 weeks later while receiving treatment in hospital.

The draw point is an underground opening at the bottom of a stope through which broken ore is extracted. A draw point rill is shown in the photo below.

Recommendations

  1. Site senior executives should review their practices and controls implemented to manage hazards and risks associated with any work around a draw point rill.
  2. Reference can be made to Guidance Note QGN13 Safe work near drawpoints in underground metalliferous mines.

Investigations are ongoing and further information may be published as it becomes available. The information in this publication is what is known at the time of writing.

We issue Safety Notices to draw attention to the occurrence of a serious incident, raise awareness of risks, and prompt assessment of your existing controls.

Comments

The Mines Inspectorate is conducting a nature and cause investigation and all contributing factors to the accident are not established. However, the accident does highlight hazards associated with working on or near draw point rills.

Authorised by Phil Goode - Chief Inspector of Mines

Contact: Asok Sur, Inspector of Mines , +61 7 4747 2184

Issued by Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Mines

Safety: This information is a guide only and is issued to promote safety through experience. It is not to be taken as a statement of law and must not be construed to waive or modify any legal obligation.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RSHQ respectfully acknowledges all Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the country on which we live and work. We acknowledge their continuing connection to land, waters and culture and commit to ongoing reconciliation. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present.