Study into fatal accidents in mining industry

A study into fatal accidents in the Western Australian mining industry has been released.

The study was commissioned last year by Mines Minister Gordon Hill in response to a spate of mining deaths.

Mr Hill said the purpose of the study, which examined 104 deaths in 12 years, was not to lay blame but to determine the predominant and underlying causes.

The report found that:

·         36 per cent of underground deaths were caused by rock falls;

·         the rate of underground deaths caused by rock falls has remained constant over time;

·         the rate of fatal accidents with explosives has declined - probably attributable to better technology producing safer explosives and increased training and awareness;

·         28 per cent of deaths occurring on the surface involved vehicles, and

·         drugs and alcohol were a major factor in only four per cent of deaths.

Mr Hill said unsafe work practice was found to be a factor in 83 per cent of deaths and an unsafe place of work in half of them.  An unsafe system of work was a factor in 46 per cent of deaths.

He endorsed the implementation of all the report's recommendations, among which were:

·         all vehicles be fitted with seat belts and their use be enforced by all companies;

·         heavy equipment and off-road vehicles be fitted with suitable protection against roll-overs;

·         a written log be maintained at all mines to facilitate and verify communication on safety and health matters on each shift and between shifts - seen as especially important in underground mines;

·         training and induction be improved and training in hazard identification and accident prevention be given to all workers.

The study was commissioned after discussions with the Australian Workers Union, the Chamber of Mines and Energy and the Mines Department.

It was carried out by a working party of Government and industry experts.

"While we have to recognise that mining is a hazardous industry - particularly underground - we all have a responsibility to ensure that the number of deaths and injuries is as low as possible," Mr Hill said.

"I hope this study will raise awareness of the issues so that we can work toward that aim."

Copies of the report are available from the Communications Branch of the Mines Department, 222 3333.