A structure unexpectedly fell onto a resources employee.
Authorities recently investigated a collapse at an undisclosed Queensland coal operation.
A pick and carry crane tried to relocate roof material, covering a diesel-powered surface pump, to access the exhaust section for removal. However, the entire structure lost balance and struck a worker on 1 August 2023.
“During the manoeuvre the load has shifted and swung into the rigger, knocking him to the ground and fracturing his leg in multiple locations,” Resources Safety and Health Queensland’s coal inspectorate said in a safety bulletin.
Investigators found the employer should have introduced exclusion zones while work was being completed.
They recommended that all site senior executives should:
- have ‘no go zones’ in place for works around pick and carry cranes
- share an animated video of the incident with all coal mine workers involved in lifting
- check ongoing competency of coal mine workers when appointed to undertake works
- review and implement recommendations included in pick and carry cranes safety bulletin.
They also urged all coal mine workers to:
- comply with ‘no go zones’ around pick and carry cranes
- familiarise themselves with the pick and carry cranes safety bulletin
- follow site safety and health management system requirements for lifting.
Click here to read the pick and carry cranes safety bulletin.
Click here to read the full collapse safety bulletin.
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