Incident Report

Subject:           Worker seriously burnt while taking a cigarette break!!          

Date of Email report:   Sat 29/10/2011

Report Detail:

This incident though extremely rare does highlight the need to ensure fire resistant coveralls are clean and not contaminated with flammable materials - thus negating the safety features of the PPE

BHP Billiton yesterday said the contract worker had been rushed to the burns unit of the Royal Adelaide Hospital, where he remained in a serious condition. The accident at the Olympic Dam site on Tuesday afternoon, was reported to SafeWork SA.  It is understood the worker came into contact with a flammable liquid in one of two work areas in the complex. Some time later, his overalls ignited during a cigarette break while he was in a break area. The man received first aid at the scene, and was taken to the Roxby Downs Medical Centre before being transferred to the Royal Adelaide Hospital.

Additional Documentation: