Mine worker suffers serious injuries after being struck by crossbar

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Mine worker suffers serious injuries after being struck by crossbar

The NSW Resources Regulator has launched an investigation after a mine worker suffered serious injuries after being struck by a crossbar while moving a piece of machinery at a northern NSW mine.

According to the latest news release, the worker suffered a serious ear injury after being struck by a crossbar he was using to push a securing pin on a bulldozer counterweight early this month. This latest safety incident highlights ongoing risks tied to mobile plant and heavy equipment across the resources sector.

How the Injury Occurred

"At the time, the counterweight was held by a vertical two-leg chain assembly slung from a Franna crane," the Resources Regulator said in an information release.

"No other support device was used to prevent movement of the counterweight during the task."

This lack of secondary restraint appears central to the investigation, with authorities examining whether additional safety measures could have prevented the worker from being struck. Similar findings have emerged in other cases, such as when a worker sustained critical injuries after being struck by a forklift due to inadequate control measures.

Why Health and Safety Reviews Matter

Incidents involving struck-by hazards remain among the most serious threats to worker health across mining and heavy industry sites. Employers and site supervisors carry ongoing responsibility for reviewing safety systems whenever mobile machinery or suspended loads are involved.

Regular safety audits, proper securing device use, and clear task procedures form the backbone of effective risk management. Resources sector operators should treat every reported incident as a prompt to reassess equipment handling protocols and reinforce emergency response readiness.

• Always use secondary support devices when handling suspended counterweights
• Ensure crossbars and similar tools are rated for the task at hand
• Provide emergency first aid access on-site for rapid response to serious injuries
• Review lifting and securing procedures regularly with resources teams

Where to Find the Full Report

Read the full investigation information release on the Resources Regulator's website for further safety news and updates.

Related Safety News

This incident joins a growing list of reported cases where workers have sustained serious injuries after being struck by equipment or vehicles. For further reading, see our coverage of a road worker suffering critical injuries after being struck by a speeding vehicle in Waikato, and a separate case where a safety alert was issued after an NT worker suffered serious crush injuries.

Businesses seeking to strengthen their own safety documentation can review our worker contractor manuals for practical guidance on managing site-based resources and reducing exposure to preventable hazards.

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