Shortly after 3-30 pm on the 5th November 1996 Mr Gary John Wilson was fatally injured when he was crushed between the right hand rib side of 0 heading, 9 to 10 cut-through, A500 panel, Laleham No. 1 Colliery and the Joy 12CM12 continuous miner, unit no. 47.
At the time of the accident Mr Wilson was working alone at the face, performing pre-start checks on the continuous miner.
The actual accident was not witnessed by any person.
Recommendations
Trainers and testers should not alter or omit training or testing material. This should be addressed through the established formal channels.
Training schemes should include a formal audit process for all facets of the scheme.
Operators have a responsibility to initiate action to rectify hazards in their workplace.
Competency based training should include some minimum time based component that is clearly indicated in training records.
Manufacturers should be pro-active in embracing the principles of the Workplace Health and Safety Act in the design and modification of machines and equipment.
Training programmes should be reviewed with increased emphasis on confined space awareness and the associated hazards.