NSW Resources Regulator publishes investigation report after conveyor incident northwest of Young

NSW Resources Regulator Publishes Investigation Report After Conveyor Incident Northwest of Young

The NSW Resources Regulator has published an investigation report following an incident in which a mine worker suffered serious injuries after falling into a conveyor chute at a mine site northwest of Young in August 2021.

A 54-year-old man was taken to hospital suffering a chest injury after the fall.

Regulator's Safety Reminders for Mine Operators

Following this investigation, the regulator reminds mine operators that they carry a duty to identify and assess all hazards associated with conveyor use across their sites.

Operators should ensure risk assessments account for conveyor chutes, guarding systems and other points where workers could fall or become trapped. Strong work health practices reduce the likelihood of similar incidents occurring at other mine sites.

Guidance for Workers on Isolating Plant and Equipment

The regulator also reminds workers to fully isolate guarded plant or equipment before opening or removing guards. Proper isolation procedures remain one of the simplest yet most effective safety measures available to prevent falls, entrapment and other conveyor-related injuries.

Mine sites should reinforce these procedures through regular training, supervision and clear signage near guarded equipment.

Why This Investigation Report Matters

Publishing investigation reports allows mine operators across the region to learn from real incidents and strengthen their own safety systems. This report adds to a growing body of findings from the regulator, including its earlier investigation information release on a November 2020 crush incident.

Reviewing these findings alongside the regulator's quarterly safety report gives site managers a clearer picture of recurring hazards within the mining sector.

Practical Steps for Mine Sites

• Identify and assess all hazards linked to conveyor operation and maintenance.
• Confirm guarded plant is fully isolated before any guard is opened or removed.
• Train workers on safe conveyor access, isolation procedures and chute hazards.
• Use a structured incident and investigation report form to document near misses and injuries consistently.

Mine sites seeking to strengthen their broader safety documentation may also find it useful to review resources within SafetyDocs' human resources management plans, which support consistent safety governance across a workforce.

Read the full investigation report here.