On 9 July 2019, a boilermaker at Ravensworth open cut mine was lancing a rear suspension link pin of a Caterpillar haul truck after it had become seized during the removal process. After quenching the pin with water, steam rapidly formed and ejected the pin under pressure. The pin, weighing 46.7kg, was propelled at the boilermaker, hitting him in his left hip and knocking him over. The boilermaker suffered a stress fracture and bruising to his left hip, a greenstick fracture to his left thumb and minor facial and eye injuries from the slag spray.
Author: NSW Resources Regulator
