Pugh, Samuel
Deceased
Samuel Pugh
Demographics
46y, male
Date of death
2004-08-17
Finding date
2005-07-08
Cause of death
Cardiac failure due to blood loss from traumatic laceration to right thigh sustained when struck by falling rock
AI-generated summary
Samuel Pugh, a 46-year-old mining contractor, died from cardiac failure due to blood loss after being struck by a 219 kg falling rock underground at a Queensland mine. He suffered a severe laceration to his right thigh with femoral artery exposure. Pre-existing hypertensive and ischaemic heart disease compromised his ability to withstand blood loss. Key contributing factors included: communication breakdown between principal and contractor regarding stope safety procedures; absence of first-aid kit in supervisor's vehicle; safety audit findings not communicated to workers; lack of radio communication at the accident site requiring delay in emergency response; and possible over-drilling affecting ground stability. While prompt first aid would likely not have prevented death in this case, systemic failures in safety communication and emergency response protocols were identified.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Error types
Contributing factors
- Communication breakdown between principal (Thalanga Copper Mines) and contractor (Faminco Mining Services) regarding stope bogging procedures
- Safety audit findings not made available to mine workers
- Absence of first-aid kit in supervisor's vehicle
- Lack of radio communication infrastructure at accident site
- Over-drilling and charging of blast holes in rings 10 and 11 possibly contributing to poor ground conditions
- Pre-existing hypertensive heart disease and ischaemic heart disease compromising ability to withstand blood loss
- Weak ground conditions and serecitic rock type in area
Coroner's recommendations
- The mines inspectorate facilitate a workshop with the Queensland Metalliferous Mining Industry with the goal of establishing an industry Guidance Note for safe operation near open voids, particularly stopes.
- In relation to the Mining, Quarry and Safety and Health Act of 1999 the Mines Inspectorate review, with industry consultation, the issues surrounding fitness for work and the general health surveillance of workers.
- Effective communication is the cornerstone of emergency response in underground mines. Where practicable, immediately accessible 2-way communication should be available to workers at all times.
- Communication/directives between the principal and the contractor should be accurate and clearly defined, particularly in respect to matters that may have safety and health implications.
- The results, findings and recommendations of safety audits and inspections should be made available to all workers and actioned by management in a timely manner.
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