A “long-serving” and “much-loved” worker has died in a crane accident at a coal mine west of Mackay in central Queensland, prompting a major investigation.
Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) was notified on Saturday morning of the death of a worker at the Byerwen mine site.
Although the cause of the accident has not yet been confirmed, initial reports suggest a crane was involved.
“Our thoughts today are with the families, friends and colleagues of the employees,” said RSHQ CEO Rob Djukic.
“We plan to conduct a thorough investigation, but as this is currently underway, we can only say limited information about it.”
The Byerwen mine is located at Suttor, approximately 200km west of Mackay, in the Bowen Basin in Queensland.
A coal inspector from RSHQ and an investigator from the Serious Incident Investigation Unit are at the scene of the accident.
“RSHQ has focused a lot of attention on pick and carry crane safety over the past 12 months, through industry discussions and safety alerts,” said Mr Djukic.
A ‘long-serving’ and ‘much-loved’ employee has died in an accident reportedly involving a crane at a coal mine (pictured) west of Mackay in central Queensland, prompting a major investigation
The Byerwen mine site is located at Suttor, approximately 200km west of Mackay, in the Bowen Basin of Queensland. Map shown
Emergency services arrived at the scene just after 7:00 a.m. The 48-year-old man was found unconscious and later pronounced dead.
“The passing of the longest-serving, senior and much-loved member of the QCoal team has shocked the entire organization,” the company said in a statement.
‘We extend our support to the families and affected staff, who are clearly deeply affected by this tragedy.
‘Police are investigating the incident and QCoal will not be commenting further until more details are available.’
Queensland Minister Scott Stewart also said the incident would be investigated.
“It is too early to know how this could have happened but the independent regulator Resources Safety and Health Queensland will conduct a full investigation,” Stewart said.
‘There should be no death in any workplace and my thoughts today are with the man’s family, friends and colleagues.
“There will be a full and thorough investigation into how this could have happened.”
The Courier Mail said the incident allegedly took place at a campsite near the mine, where most of the workers stay and where infrastructure work was taking place.
An inspector from Resources Safety and Health Queensland and an investigator from the Serious Incident Investigation Unit are at the scene of the accident. The mine is pictured
A Queensland Police spokesperson confirmed a report would be prepared for the coroner.
Representatives of the mining and energy union are on their way to the site.
“The MEU received the terrible news this morning of a fatal accident involving a worker at the Byerwen mine,” an MEU spokeswoman said.
“Our thoughts are with family and colleagues as we try to understand what happened.”