Safety alert released after mine worker caught by reversing vehicle in central Queensland

Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) has released a safety alert for the entire industry after a worker was caught between two vehicles at a coal mining site in Central Queensland.

According to Jacques le Roux, Chief Inspector of Coal Mines for Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ), there were no serious injuries reported; nonetheless, the incident could have resulted in fatalities.

“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. In 2024 a coal mine worker was fatally injured after becoming trapped between two vehicles.”

Mr. le Roux mentioned that although the investigation into the High Potential Incident (HPI) that took place late last month is still in progress, the regulator has provided some preliminary safety guidance in response.

See full details here.