On 26 February 2021 at Buckaroo Mine near Mudgee NSW, a worker, standing underneath a hopper of a mobile jaw crusher, was struck on the ear by failed components whilst using a chain assembly. The chain assembly had been connected between the excavator and components of the hydraulic ram on the wing of a mobile jaw crusher. The hydraulic ram holding the crusher wing was jammed. During the task, the excavator was used to apply a sideways pull force to components of the hydraulic ram.
An uncontrolled release of energy occurred causing the chain assembly and components of the hydraulic ram to fail and a worker to sustain a serious laceration to an ear.
