1 worker injured in ‘fall-of-ground’ at nickel mine

A worker at Vale’s Voisey’s Bay nickel mine in northern Labrador is in stable condition in hospital after being injured in an underground “fall-of-ground” incident that has prompted a formal investigation, according to a report.

The incident occurred Saturday in an underground tunnel when part of the ceiling collapsed. In its statement to CBC, Vale Base Metals described the event as a “fall-of-ground — an incident where the ceiling of an underground tunnel collapsed.”

The company told CBC News the worker received emergency treatment at the mine before being transported to hospital. The employee “received emergency care on site and is now in stable condition in hospital,” the statement said. No further details were released about the worker’s identity, job classification or the precise location underground where the collapse happened.

Vale said it has notified regulatory authorities and that an investigation is under way into the circumstances of the incident, CBC reported. The company did not provide additional information on the scope of the inquiry or which agencies are involved.

Affected section secured

In its statement, the company said it has secured the affected section of the underground workings and is proceeding cautiously toward resuming activity in that area. “Underground activities in the immediate area of the incident have been secured and we are working through a safe return to operations,” the statement reads, as reported by CBC.

CBC said Vale did not disclose whether other workers were present when the ground failed or if any additional damage occurred to equipment or mine infrastructure.

Preventive measures for working underground in a mine

Here are some safety measures that employers, managers and workers must take before having workers work underground in a mine, according to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS):

• Speak with the area supervisor before going underground to note any hazards and to let people know where workers will be working.
• Inspect the workplace for existing and potential hazards before work begins and take the appropriate actions to control the hazards. Be aware that conditions can change constantly.
• Review logs and cross-over notes for any indication of seismic events, poor ground conditions, standing water, or other hazards noted between shifts.
• Inspect all equipment and machinery for any defects before work begins.
• Keep tools and equipment in good working order.
• Ensure the appropriate personal protective equipment is available and used as intended.
• If required, ensure any radios or personal gas detectors are in good working condition and understand the proper use of these tools.
• Scale the rock when entering a workplace.
• Wash down the workplace, paying special attention to areas that have been recently blasted.
• Know the location of the nearest refuge station and escape route. Know the emergency response plans before work begins.
• Use atomisers or other dust control methods as required.
• Have the required training and sign-offs before beginning any task or operating a piece of mobile equipment.

_{File photo from Vale’s website}