19/09/2022

The incident occurred when a worker was assisting with changing out a ripper tine on a CAT D9 Dozer at a quarry.

The tine was being lifted into position using a lifting chain, attached to an excavator. The worker was using his hands to position the tine as it was being lifted, when it moved unexpectedly resulting in the workers thumb being amputated.

Mine operators and persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) must ensure:

  • comprehensive risk assessments are undertaken for all tasks, including maintenance
  • safe systems of work are developed, implemented and maintained by a competent person
  • workers are trained and assessed as competent in the safe systems of work at the mine.

For further resources on safety in the mining industry see our Mining and Quarrying page.