The Department was made aware of poor safety practices and bullying of employees by mining supervisors.

An investigation by the Department’s safety inspectors this week found several practices at the coal mine were or were liable to shortly become dangerous to the safety or health of employees at the mine. The safety inspectors determined that production should cease until such time as the  unsafe practices have been adequately addressed.

Unsafe practices included:

• Working too close to loaded blasting holes;
• Working over previously mined underground workings where there is risk of collapse of the surface;
• Unsafe entry to and exit from the truck parking area;
• Inadequate lighting in the raw coal stockpile area and adjacent road intersection;
• Working in wet and slippery conditions in mining and haulage areas, and
• Unsatisfactory training and assessment of employees to operate plant and equipment at the mine.

Production ceased at 9.15am this morning and the closure will remain in force until the mine operator completes a full review of the safety management at the mine, which must include full consultation with the workforce.

Production will remain suspended until such time as the Department’s inspectors are satisfied that necessary actions have been implemented.

Minister for Resources and Energy Chris Hartcher has been informed and a detailed report is being prepared.

Media contact: Jenny Ward 02 8289 3925 or 0429 305 950