Summary
Highwall failures are one of the most serious risks at open cut mines. Supervisors must ensure regular inspections are carried out, exclusion zones are enforced, and any signs of instability are escalated immediately.
What This Means on Shift
Before any work begins near a highwall, you must confirm that an inspection has been carried out by a competent person. Exclusion zones must be established and enforced. Any cracks, slumping, or water seepage must be reported immediately and work halted.
- Inspect highwalls before each shift and after rain or blasting
- Establish and enforce exclusion zones — no exceptions
- Look for cracks, bulging, or water seepage as warning signs
- Halt work immediately if instability is suspected
- Only competent persons may conduct highwall inspections
Where to Find It
Highwall safety requirements are set out in the Mines Safety and Inspection Regulations 1995, particularly regulations 6.5 and 6.6, which cover slope stability and inspection requirements.
- Mines Safety and Inspection Regulations 1995 – r.6.5 (slope stability)
- Mines Safety and Inspection Regulations 1995 – r.6.6 (inspections)
- Your site's Highwall Management Plan
Key Points
Highwall failures can happen without warning. The consequences are catastrophic and irreversible. No production target justifies working near an unsafe highwall.
- Highwall inspections must be documented
- Competency requirements for inspectors must be met
- Exclusion zones must be clearly marked and enforced
- Weather events (rain, storms) require re-inspection before work resumes
- Any sign of instability = stop work immediately