Numerous worksites at risk from Tropical Cyclone Alfred

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Numerous worksites at risk from Tropical Cyclone Alfred

Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) urges quarries in Southeast Queensland to take precautions in anticipation of Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Many worksites across the region face significant risk as the system tracks closer to shore, and operators are being told to act now rather than wait for conditions to worsen.

The resources regulator oversees more than 400 sites in the southern region, with numerous locations expected to sit directly in the path of Cyclone Alfred this week. Given the scale of exposure, RSHQ has issued clear guidance on the steps sites should take to protect workers and infrastructure.

Key hazards identified by RSHQ

RSHQ's Chief Inspector of Mineral Mines and Quarries, Hermann Fasching, said addressing dangers posed by misfires, airborne debris, and lightning strikes is imperative as Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches. These hazards represent some of the most serious threats to worker health and site integrity during severe weather events.

"As Queenslanders, we're no strangers to cyclones and neither are our mines and quarries," Mr Fasching said.

"Sites need to make sure there are no structures that can become mid-air weapons during cyclonic winds."

What sites should do now

Operators across Queensland should review site-specific hazards before conditions deteriorate further. RSHQ recommends the following actions to reduce risk and strengthen emergency preparedness:

• Secure loose materials, equipment, and temporary structures that could become airborne
• Review misfire management procedures and ensure blast areas are appropriately isolated
• Assess lightning strike protocols and confirm detection systems are functioning
• Communicate emergency response plans clearly to all personnel on site
• Maintain contact with RSHQ for guidance and support throughout the event

A well-documented high-risk incident management plan gives site leaders a practical framework for managing these dangers before, during, and after severe weather. Pairing this with a thorough risk register helps teams track hazards systematically rather than relying on memory alone.

Building longer-term safety support

Beyond immediate response to Cyclone Alfred, sites benefit from ongoing support through robust risk management documentation. A formal risk management policy establishes accountability across all levels of an operation, ensuring health and safety obligations remain clear regardless of who is on shift when severe weather strikes.

Sites should also revisit their risk assessment forms to confirm cyclone-specific hazards are captured alongside routine operational risks. This kind of preparation supports faster, more confident decision-making when time is limited.

Queensland's mining and quarrying sector has weathered cyclones before, and this experience underscores why proactive planning matters. Sites that treat severe weather preparation as routine business, rather than a one-off scramble, tend to recover faster and with fewer safety incidents.

RSHQ's message is clear: support for affected sites is available, but the responsibility to act early rests with operators themselves. Anyone requiring assistance or further clarification on compliance obligations should contact RSHQ directly.

Click here for additional details on cyclone contingency planning from similar past events.

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