The Australian Workers' Union (AWU) confirms that all underground operations at the Snowy 2.0 pumped hydro project have been halted following a catastrophic failure of critical ventilation equipment that could have resulted in worker fatalities.
In the early hours of Tuesday an industrial-sized ventilation fan approximately 2.5 metres in diameter catastrophically malfunctioned, sending dangerous metal shrapnel flying through the air.
By sheer fortune, no workers were in the immediate vicinity at the time of the failure.
The incident comes only a month after workers were forced to stop work after underground refuge chambers, crucial for worker survival in the event of an underground emergency, were found to be inoperable and not maintained to the manufacturer's specifications.
"This latest incident represents a significant near-miss that could have resulted in workers being killed," said Tony Callinan, AWU NSW Secretary.
"Had anyone been in the path of this high-velocity shrapnel, we would be discussing fatalities rather than equipment failure."
Following the incident, SafeWork NSW inspectors conducted an urgent assessment of the site and have issued six prohibition notices affecting all ventilation fans at the project.
Subsequent inspections revealed other fans in various states of disrepair, with inspectors documenting missing bolts and other concerning maintenance issues.
The AWU is demanding that all ventilation equipment undergo comprehensive inspection by the original manufacturers before any worker returns to the underground portions of the project.
"The condition of these critical safety systems is completely unacceptable," Callinan said.
"These fans provide the essential ventilation that makes underground work possible.
"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 has gone on way too long, senior management need to be held accountable for their ongoing failure to provide a safe workplace, we have been talking about serious safety issues on this project for years.
"The AWU and our members have absolutely no confidence in the project's ability to manage safety, it is time for some changes at all levels of management of this project, including with the client Snowy Hydro."
This incident raises serious questions about maintenance protocols and safety oversight at the Snowy 2.0 project, which has already faced significant delays and cost overruns since construction began in 2019.
The AWU has consistently advocated for rigorous safety standards in major infrastructure projects and will continue to ensure worker safety is prioritised at Snowy 2.0.
