The present invention provides a safety system (1) for protecting against a hazard of a drill rod failure in a drilled rock bore (B) above horizontal, and especially a hazard posed by a broken drill rod section (S) lodged within the bore (B). The safety system (1) comprises: a plug member (2) for insertion into a proximal end region (E) of the bore (B) adjacent a rock-face (F), the plug member (2) being configured to be fixed within the proximal end region (E) of the bore (B); and an impact reduction member (5) for reducing an impact of the broken drill rod section (S) striking the plug member (2) within the proximal end region (E) of the bore (B). The impact reduction member (5) is configured to be located within the proximal end region (E) of the bore (B) and to extend within the bore (B) above the plug member (2).