Coal mine worker’s near miss prompts safety alert

Queensland’s resources safety and health regulator has issued an industry-wide safety alert after a worker was trapped between two vehicles in an incident at a Central Queensland coal mine.

While reversing, a tilt tray truck came very close to a pick and carry crane, trapping a worker, who was loading rigging gear at the front of the crane, between the two vehicles.

Though no one was seriously injured, this incident has raised serious safety concerns.

In 2024, a worker at BMA’s Saraji South coal mine in Queensland suffered fatal crush injuries after being pinned between two vehicles.

Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) coal mines chief inspector Jacques le Roux says the incident could have been fatal.

“While reversing, a tilt tray truck came very close to a pick and carry crane and trapped a coal mine worker between the two vehicles,” he said.

“This incident could have caused serious injury or death to the worker involved.

“While the investigation into the high potential incident (HPI) which occurred late last month was ongoing, the regulator had shared some initial safety advice in response.

“All work parties should be in constant communication when vehicles are going to be moved. Workers should avoid being in the line of fire.”

RSHQ said if operators could not see all areas when moving a vehicle, they should always ensure a spotter was used at a safe distance.

“Before entering any tight area between an object and a machine that has the potential to move, workers should always check that the machine is isolated and chocked,” Mr le Roux said.

As part of the safety alert, RSHQ recommends if a machine operator cannot see all areas when moving a vehicle, a spotter must be used at a safe distance.