The worker suffered a fractured leg after being struck by a bow shackle after a link failed during a towing operation on February 5 2019.
Following an investigation by the NSW Resources Regulator, Centennial subsidiary Springvale Coal submitted a proposal for an enforceable undertaking that included the funding and delivery of safety and community projects at a minimum cost of $480,000.
On December 7 2020, the regulator accepted the workplace health and safety enforceable undertaking as it determined that this action would provide greater benefits to the workforce, industry and community than any other enforcement response.
As part of the undertaking Springvale Coal will provide underground workers with an Underground Safety Communication System at a minimum cost of $150,000.
Other key elements of the undertaking include engaging a registered training organisation to develop and deliver a bespoke resource and infrastructure training program for underground coal mine slinging, lifting and towing tasks, at a minimum cost $100,000.
Springvale Coal must also provide a donation to NSW Ambulance's Lithgow Station to purchase a second first response recovery 4WD vehicle, at a total cost of $150,000.
Importantly, Springvale Coal is also required to share its experiences and learnings associated with the projects to at least three mining industry conferences or seminars, ensuring that the broader industry benefits from these projects as well.
An enforceable undertaking was a legally binding agreement proposed by a company following an alleged breach, which may be considered as an alternative to prosecution.
