In the wake of a severe safety incident at the Snowy Hydro 2.0 site, all underground construction has been suspended following a catastrophic ventilation fan failure. The Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) confirmed the mishap, which could have led to casualties had there been workers present when the industrial fan, measuring approximately 2.5 metres in diameter, malfunctioned, propelling metal shrapnel through the tunnel early Tuesday morning.
PHOTO: Underground work has again been halted at Snowy Hydro 2.0 after new safety concerns emerge CREDIT: Snowy Hydro.
The occurrence, described as a “significant near-miss” by AWU NSW Secretary Tony Callinan, highlighted severe inadequacies in safety protocols. Callinan stressed the potential risk of fatalities and emphasised the ongoing safety concerns, stating, “Their failure not only represents an immediate hazard from flying debris but could also create lethal atmospheric conditions underground.
“Tunnelling is a dangerous industry but, Snowy 2.0 management just can’t seem to get the basics right,
“It’s the worst project I have seen in 20 years as an AWU Organiser.”
This incident follows a similar safety shutdown last month due to non-operational underground refuge chambers, intensifying scrutiny over Snowy Hydro 2.0’s safety practices.
SafeWork NSW inspectors have since then, issued six prohibition notices concerning all ventilation fans on site, uncovering further deficiencies such as missing bolts and maintenance shortcomings. The AWU demands comprehensive inspections by manufacturers to ensure worker safety before operations resume underground.
Snowy Hydro, responding to the incident, announced plans for an independent safety review and audit, and “will require changes to principal contractor Future Generation Joint Venture’s (FGJV) leadership on the project.”
Prioritising safety, Snowy Hydro halted underground activities to examine other fans, intending to gradually resume work post-inspection. The company acknowledged the importance of addressing safety concerns.
“These actions follow an underground fan failing and losing part of its blade on Tuesday morning. Thankfully, no one was hurt,” a spokesperson for Snowy Hydro said.
“Underground work was stopped to allow inspection of all fans. FGJV will work with SafeWork NSW to ensure they are safe, with the aim of progressively restarting work.”
“Nothing is more important to Snowy Hydro than safety. Recent safety concerns at Snowy 2.0 have made it clear that as the client, our assurance role over FGJV’s activities requires this intervention. We’re committed to working with our workforce and unions to ensure that the safety standards we expect are in place at Snowy 2.0.”
The repeated safety concerns cast doubt over maintenance protocols and potential oversights at the Snowy 2.0 project, which has been plagued by delays and cost overruns since it commenced in 2019. The AWU stressed the urgent need for improved safety management to prevent further incidents.