Regulator publishes investigation findings after NSW quarry worker hit by hydraulic hammer

The NSW Resources Regulator has published an investigation report after a quarry worker at Albury was struck and pinned by a hydraulic hammer that detached from excavator plant on 12 December 2025. Here is what safety teams need to know from the latest workplace news.

Key facts from the published report

• Date of incident: 12 December 2025
• Location: An Albury quarry, New South Wales
• Outcome: Severe injuries to an employee
• Plant involved: Excavator fitted with a hydraulic hammer attachment
• Authority: NSW Resources Regulator

What happened at the Albury quarry

An employee sustained severe injuries when he was hit and pinned down by a hydraulic hammer that came loose from an excavator.

Investigators examined how the attachment separated during operation, along with the systems meant to keep personnel clear of moving plant.

Why this news matters for quarry operators

Attachment failures on mobile plant remain a leading cause of crush injuries across extractive sites. Incident news of this kind shows how quickly a secure coupling can become a life-threatening hazard once verification routines slip.

Subscribing to news bulletins issued by regulators keeps supervisors ahead of emerging equipment risks. For further information on statutory duties, visit the NSW Resources Regulator.

Regulator reminds duty holders of legal obligations

“Mine operators are reminded of their duty to identify hazards and manage risks to health and safety in accordance with provisions of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and Work Health and Safety (Mines and Petroleum Sites) Act 2013 and Regulations,” the regulator states in the report.

The full document is accessible via the regulator’s incident library.

Practical controls that prevent attachment detachment

• Confirm quick-hitch locking pins are fully engaged, with a documented pre-start visual check every shift.
• Keep all personnel outside swing and drop zones whenever percussive tools operate.
• Apply written procedures such as our Hydraulic Cropper SOP and Hammer Drill SOP for high-risk plant.
• Capture competency, induction and site rules within worker and contractor manuals.
• Escalate near misses promptly so corrective actions reach every crew member.

Related safety news from New South Wales

• Conveyor incident findings northwest of Young
• Quarry employee injured by a forklift attachment
• Findings on a November 2020 crush incident

Our specialists track industry news each week, translating regulator findings into practical documentation. Bookmark this blog for compliance updates, hazard alerts and equipment news.