Solid Energy fined over miner's serious injury

Published: 8:00PM Tuesday July 30, 2013 Source: ONE News

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  Solid Energy's Spring Creek mine. - Source: ONE News

Failing to protect a miner from a large block of falling coal at Solid Energy's Spring Creek mine has cost the company a fine of $71,000 and reparations to the victim of $46,000.

The company pleaded guilty to one charge under the Health and Safety in Employment Act and was sentenced today at the Greymouth District Court.

Paul Burton, an experienced miner, was working underground in July last year cutting a connection between two parallel roadways when the large block of coal fell on the back of his neck and body, knocking him to the ground.

He spent time in Burwood Hospital's spinal unit after the incident and has been left with serious spinal injuries that make movement difficult.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment said its investigation discovered five of the company's safety requirements were not followed.

"Safety critical steps like these have been developed because people have died in the past. The steps aren't optional - they are mandatory and each step must be followed," said Tony Forster, the Chief Inspector Mining of the Ministry's High Hazards Unit.

The company should also have installed a mesh cage or curtain in the area to protect employees from the risk of falling coal, Mr Forster said.

This technology has been available for some time, he said.

"New Zealand may be isolated geographically but that does not mean we should be behind with health and safety developments."

Solid Energy is this country's largest and most experienced coal mining company, and its failures resulted in serious, long-term injury to an employee who should have been able to expect to go home safe from his shift at the mine," Mr Forster said.

Union welcomes penalty

The EPMU is welcoming the fine and reparations imposed.

EPMU organiser Garth Elliott said Mr Burton's right side was paralysed when the slab of coal fell on him.

He had to undergo major surgery to repair spinal cord damage, including having two plates inserted into his neck, Mr Elliott said. Mr Burton still suffers from some paralysis and is unlikely to ever work as a miner again, he said.

He said it is appropriate that Solid Energy has been fined for its serious safety failings.

"The injuries Paul has suffered as a result of Solid Energy's failures have impacted his earnings for the rest of his working life. These reparations are welcome but they can never compensate Paul for what he has lost."

Mines are hazardous places to work but there are steps that can be taken to minimise risks, Mr Elliott said.

"This outcome shows the importance of stronger safety laws in our mines. We hope Solid Energy has learned from its failings and puts processes in place to make sure it doesn't happen again."

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Source: http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/solid-energy-fined-over-miner-s-serious-injury-5523028?ref=rss

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