Crush incident prompts RSHQ to issue safety alert

Following an incident in which a worker sustained injuries at a Central Queensland mine, the state’s resources safety and health regulator has issued a safety alert to the mines across the state.

Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) says it is probing the incident that happened in the early morning hours of Tuesday, January 20, in which a worker incurred crush injuries after being caught between two vehicles.

Jacques le Roux, RSHQ's Chief Inspector of Coal Mines, stated that although investigations are still in the preliminary phases, the alert is intended to share preliminary lessons from serious incidents and support the industry in mitigating potential risks.

“Initial information suggests a worker operating a bobcat was travelling up the box cut of the mine when they exited the vehicle after suspecting it had overheated,” he said.

“The worker suffered fractures and was transported to hospital in a stable condition for further treatment.

“Vehicle crush incidents have the potential to be fatal, and this is a serious incident we are investigating thoroughly.”

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