This follows an incident at a NSW mine where a fitter was taken to hospital and x-rays identified a dislocated and fractured patella and a fractured distal tibia.

The fitter was attempting to rotate a crusher drum using a steel bar.

The fitter had one leg off the ground, positioned on the crusher, with the other on the ground.

As the crusher drum started to rotate, the fitter’s weight went from being placed on the front leg to the back leg. As the weight went onto the left leg the fitter felt his left knee give way, followed by pain. The fitter fell to the floor.

“In consultation with original equipment manufacturers, it is recommended that mine operators review the use of engineering controls where practicable whilst carrying out work on equipment,” the MSU said. “This should include the use of suitable devices or tools.”