Methane Risk at Mining Facility
The risk of a methane leak has caused an underground coal mine to close in Hunter Valley.
Workers were told to halt all procedures at the confined space until a proper investigation has been conducted. The Department of Trade and Investment closed the facility after becoming aware of unsafe levels of methane.
The vice president of the Construction Forestry Mining and Energy union, Robin Williams stated that the mine has been experiencing ventilation troubles.Williams said that while the closure will cause lead to financial losses, the facility had long been experiencing problems.
The resources minister for New South Wales has requested a report on the status on the issue and has stated that the department will continue to work to ensure that the issue is dealt in a acceptable manner.
The minister claims that the safety of the workers to be the most important matter.
Source : http://www.miningaustralia.com.au/news/methane-fears-shutdown-coal-mine
Man loses leg in mining accident
A man has allegedly lost one of his legs and had the other one crushed following a mining accident at Fortescue Metals Port facility in Port Hedland.
A spokesperson from the company has confirmed that there was indeed an accident at the facility and the man is seriously injured. The spokesperson said that the facility was on maintenance shutdown during the accident. The man was subsequently rushed by helicopter to a hospital in Perth.
It is believed that a Hydraulic ram failed and subsequently caused the accident. This is the second case like this, after the death of a worker at BHP Billiton,
The State Secretary of the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union ,Kevin Reynolds , stated that this is the most serious type of accident but less serious accidents also occur every day.
Reynolds claims these accidents are the result of the government did not provide Occupational Health and Safety inspectors or union officers.
Reynolds also claimed the workers would complain had they not been in fear of losing their jobs.
The man in the accident is currently in stable condition.
Source: http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/mans-legs-crushed-on-fortescue-worksite-20110710-1h8ic.html
