Description

Of the fatalities from falls of ground, one only need to be referred to here, viz., that at the Greyside Mine, illustrating as it does the recklessness of some miners when engaged at their work.

A shot had been fired in the roof, and the two men dressed the place down preparatory to drilling another hole, but leaving a large stone, which had been evidently shaken by the shot, hanging over their heads. This they neglected to timber, thinking it would retain its position until they had drilled the shot-hole, which they proceeded to do in the most careless manner, actually standing under the stone to do their work when it could have been done from another position and in perfect safety, as admitted by the brother of the deceased, who worked with him.

Where such utter disregard of their own safety is displayed by miners no one can be surprised at the number of accidents from falls of ground.

Sources

• 1895 Mines Inspectors Report (C 8074), Newcastle District (No. 3) by J. L. Hedley, H.M. Inspector of Mines, Page: 37 Where to find this report
• 1895 Mines Inspectors Report (C 8074), Newcastle District (No. 3) by J. L. Hedley, H.M. Inspector of Mines, Page: 42, Accident Number: 24 Where to find this report

Researchers

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