A major safety investigation is underway following the death of a worker at a Bowen Basin mine in Queensland, the second fatality in less than three weeks at the site. The incident occurred on Thursday at the Byerwen mine site in Suttor, near Glendale, with a haul truck understood to have collided with another vehicle. The smaller vehicle is reported to have gone underneath the larger vehicle, according to The Courier Mail. Paramedics and police were called to the worksite “following an industrial traffic incident”, where a person was found with critical injuries, Queensland Police told SkyNews.com.au in a statement. The worker was declared dead at the scene, marking the second fatality to occur at the mine site in the space of just three weeks.
Byerwen Mine Fatalities
A report is being prepared for the coroner, while Forensic Crash Unit “are assisting Resources Safety and Health Queensland with their investigations”. On August 3, father-of-five Chris Schloss was killed after being struck by a crane at Byerwen mine about 7am in the morning. The 48-year-old was critically injured, and was pronounced dead at QCoal’s accommodation camp for workers in Suttor, sparking a major investigation which the independent coal exploration and mining company assisted with.
Union Calls for Closure
The latest death has traumatized workers, said The Mining and Energy Union, which called for the mine to cease operations immediately and support the workforce. The union statement said there was now a “horrible sense of deja vu” among workers. “Workers have not even had a chance to properly process the fatality of Chris Schloss who they lost less than three weeks ago,” District President Mitch Hughes said. “When they found out another one of their workmates died at the mine, it was earth shattering.”
Government Response
Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) is set to probe the mine site for another investigation following Thursday’s workplace fatality. “We will be conducting an investigation into the incident,” RSHQ chief executive officer Rob Djukic said. “A Resources Safety and Health Queensland coal inspector and Serious Incident Investigation Unit investigator are on their way to the mine.” Mackay’s Forensic Crash Unit will assist RSHQ in undertaking investigations at the site.
Resources and Critical Minerals Minister Scott Stewart addressed the incident in Queensland parliament around 3pm. “I’m aware of reports of a fatality and QCoal’s Byerwen Coal mine… I understand emergency services are on scene right now,” he said. “I have spoken to the independent health and safety regulator, Resources Safety and Health Queensland. They are preparing to head to the mine site right now. “There will be a full investigation into this fatality. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of those involved and I’m sure I can speak on behalf of everyone in this House.”
A Troubling Trend
The two fatalities at the Byerwen mine in a matter of weeks are a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in the mining industry. The incidents have also highlighted the importance of robust safety protocols and effective enforcement of regulations to prevent further tragedies. The investigation into these deaths will be crucial in determining the cause of the incidents and identifying any shortcomings in safety procedures. The findings of the investigation will likely have a significant impact on future mining operations in Queensland and the broader Australian mining sector. The industry must learn from these incidents and implement measures to ensure the safety of workers and prevent future tragedies.
