Who must be included in the investigation of accidents or incidents in an underground mine?

The inclusion of the ERZ (Emergency Response Zone) controller in the investigation of accidents or incidents in an underground mine is crucial due to their specialized knowledge and responsibility for managing emergency situations within specific zones of the mine. The ERZ controller is typically trained to assess risks and respond appropriately during critical incidents. Their involvement ensures that the circumstances surrounding the incident are understood from the perspective of emergency protocols and safety measures. This contributes to a comprehensive investigation, allowing for a better assessment of what happened, why it happened, and how to prevent similar incidents in the future.

In contrast, although other individuals like the mine manager or mineworkers may also play roles in the response or investigation, they do not possess the same specialized insight into the immediate operational risks and emergency procedures that apply within the specific zone where the incident occurred. Additionally, external safety inspectors provide valuable oversight but are not directly involved in the immediate operational response. The focus here is on those who are on the ground during the incident to ensure that all relevant safety aspects are duly considered in the investigation process.