People like us who post on this site know the risks involved and also know what not to do. The general public however don't tend to think out of the box and actually keep their pets and children under proper supervision around mining sites.
Don't blame the mine shaft, the same could be said for not fencing off cliff edges but as we know, parents wouldn't dare let their kids and pets wander around a cliff edge unsupervised... why? Because they all know the danger involved and they take the nessecary precautions. They wouldn't fence off the whole of a cliff is if someone was stupid enough to let their kid/dog fall down it. The same precautions need to be taken around mines and people need to stop playing the blame game.
Well said that man... we have had this debate again and again. Mine sites are dangerous places capped or otherwise. Even if covered in picnic tables etc there are always going to be trip hazards, slippery bits, projecting bolts etc. If a site is untreated, ok lets get the fences up, get the signs up and make it safe by whatever method is deemed ok but I simply don't understand why people can't take responsibility for themselves and their kids and pets in an area of known mine workings especially where capped, its common sense.... and I know there are warning signs in the treated areas.
Do we have fences on railway platforms?.. No ... Why cos we know from the signs and experience if you fall on the tracks you will break something, or get squashed or both, hence we dont let our kids and pets run about on stations without being warned/restrained in the case of a kid or on a lead in the case of a pet....
Where a mine has not been treated and is on a moor full of gaping abysses, quarries etc the typical family of Mum Dad and kids doesnt tend to be up there, its usually the more experienced who know what they are doing.
We cant negate every risk for every living thing... people especially have to take some responsibility for themselves and theirs.
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaagh Creeper!!!!!