Byerwen Mine accident: Dad Chris Schloss dies
A hard-working father has died in an industrial accident at a coal mine in central Queensland.
Emergency services arrived early on Saturday morning at QCoal’s Byerwen mine, about 1,000km north of Brisbane in the coal-rich Bowen Basin, after reports that Mr Schloss had been struck by a crane.
The 48-year-old died at the scene.
He is survived by his wife and five children.
“The QCoal family has suffered a devastating loss following the death of Chris Schloss in an incident at the Byerwen mine on Saturday,” QCoal group managing director James Black said in a statement.
‘Chris has been part of the QCoal family for many years and has been closely involved in the development of Byerwen since its launch.
Our thoughts are with Chris’ wife Amanda, his children and their entire family at this terrible time.
‘The passing of such a long-serving, senior and much-loved member of the QCoal team has naturally shocked us.
“His family is trying to cope with the worst news you can ever hear and we are helping them through this tragedy.”
Chris Schloss, 48, died on Saturday morning after a crane accident at the Byerwen mine infrastructure site in Suttor, west of Mackay
Resources Safety and Health Queensland is investigating the fatal accident.
“While it is too early to determine the cause of the incident, initial reports indicate that a crane was involved,” the safety agency said on Saturday.
‘A coal inspector from RSHQ and an investigator from our Serious Incident Investigation Unit are on site.
‘Our thoughts today are with the employee’s family, friends and colleagues.
‘RSHQ has focused a lot of attention on safety around pick and carry cranes over the last 12 months. This has been done through discussions with the sector, safety warnings and an animation to increase knowledge and understanding.’
Mr Schloss was part of QCoal’s Tell Them Where To Go campaign against the Queensland government, which is pressuring the company to move its workforce from its on-site camp to the town of Glenden, about 45 minutes away.
The company said the move would put the jobs of around 800 miners in Central Queensland at risk.
“Chris was an active member of our current campaign to save the Byerwen camp and his family have asked that his image and words not be removed as he felt strongly about the issue and they wish to honour his legacy,” Mr Black said.