Changes needed underground, says inquest into death of Vale miner Stephen Perry

Thejury hearing aninquest into the death of a Sudbury miner says there needs to be changes to underground mine inspection and first aid to prevent similar fatalities.

Stephen Perry died in January 2012 while underground at Vale's Coleman mine in Levack.

He was working alone when a 14-tonne chunk of rock broke away from the mine's face.

The jury released its findings Thursday.

It determinedthe death was an accident, caused by a crushing injury to Perry's head and chest.

The jury also madeten recommendations for change inOntario's underground mines based on Perry's case. They include regularinspections of mine faces, better lighting, and changes to the laws around working alone.

The jury also said first aid measures should be improved, including making it possible for CPR and first aid to be performed inside the mine.

The inquest heard earlier this week that Perry could not be given CPR underground because there wasn't enough room on the emergency vehicle.

The ten recommendations are:

1. The supporting faces of all underground mines should be assessed bya ground control engineer.
2. The Ontario Ministry of Labour should investigatecurrent mine technology, includingremote loaders, the type of machine Perry was operating.
3. Ministry of Labour laws regarding working alone should be changed. "We strongly feel that the mere presence of a radio does not remove the dangers of working alone. This provision should be removed from legislation," the jury wrote.
4. Improvements to underground emergency vehicles and first aid stretchers so CPR and other first aid can be performed underground.
5. All supervisors at underground mines should have advanced level first aid training, and a mine rescue worker should be available on every shift.
6. All mines should have an automated external defibrillator available at refuge stations.
7. The Ministry of Labour should look atimproving lighting on the type of loader that Perry was using.
8. Inquests into mining deaths should happen sooner.
9. All mine safety systems should be reviewed so they can be more proactive to prevent accidents.
10. All mines should improve communication systems.