Sometimes despite every effort accidents can happen. Unlike other mining industries the china clay industry has thankfully never had many major accidents. However workers did live with the day to day knowledge that accidents especially when preparing the ground for blasting could happen.

Clay worker buried by earth fall
1,000 tonnes subsidence at St Enoder Works
St Columb Road man killed

A fall of a thousand tons of earth at the Fal Valley China Clay works, St Enoder, caused the death of Mr Thomas Glasson, aged 51, of St Columb Road, on Thursday.

Mr John Eastlick of St Dennis, who was working with him, had a narrow escape, being able to jump clear.

Mr E Carlyon, County Coroner, held an inquest at Indian Queens on Saturday.  Mr R R King, Inspector of Mines, was present and Mr W H Graham (St Austell) represented the Anchor China Clay Company.

A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

John Eastlick, clay labourer, St Dennis said he was working the hose about 50 feet from the face of the pit.  Glasson was at his side picking out stones from the stream, when the witness heard someone shout from another stope.  He looked up and saw some ground coming away.
He shouted "Run", and they both ran back, but when the witness turned and looked Glasson was overhwelmed with wet clay.  Glasson was wearing heavy streamer’s boots, weighing 10 or 11 pounds, and this prevented him from getting away quickly.

The Royal Cornwall Gazette
January 16th 1935

It is only in the last few decades that safety has become a priority in the pits.

Look at the two photographs, the modern worker has lots of satey gear that he has to wear. Modern workers also have regular health and saftey training sessions unlike workers a hundred years ago.