The state’s resources regulator has released new details of the workplace death investigation into contract shotfirer Paul Phillips, who was fatally injured at the United Wambo mine near Singleton last month.
According to an Investigation Information Release from the regulator, mine workers and contractors were loading blastholes with explosives in preparation for blasting activities on Monday, August 3, when the incident occurred. Mr Phillips, 59, was on foot assisting a mobile processing unit with loading emulsion into blastholes, positioned to the right of the unit at the emulsion hose.
A second mobile processing unit, working in the adjacent row, reached the high wall at the end of the drill pattern about 1pm and began reversing toward Mr Phillips, supervised by a spotter. After reversing about 50 metres, the unit struck Mr Phillips, who suffered fatal injuries.
The mine operator’s broader safety management system, including its blasting hazard management plans, will be examined by the regulator.
