RSHQ issues directive to Byerwen coal mine
Queensland's mining regulator has issued a directive to suspend the use of all heavy vehicles at Byerwen coal mine after yesterday's fatal accident.
On Thursday 22 August, Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) was notified of an incident involving two vehicles that caused the death of a male worker.
RSHQ sent staff from its coal division and Serious Incident Investigation Unit (SIIU) to the mine shortly after.
This morning, police handed the site over to RSHQ to investigate and take regulatory action which included suspending the use of all heavy vehicles.
RSHQ CEO Rob Djukic said the move effectively stops most operations at the mine.
"QCoal has chosen to suspend operations at the mine, but we've taken this extra step to ensure activities involving heavy vehicles cannot take place until our inspector is satisfied that it is safe to do so.
"We need to allow the mine to continue with some activities because it would be unsafe if it were to cease operating suddenly.
"We haven't ruled out further action so our inspectors will continue to assess the site in the coming days.
"It's disheartening and concerning to see a second fatality in less than a month at Byerwen.
"We want to assure affected workers, friends and families that we are conducting a thorough investigation and are committed to taking appropriate action."
The mine's decision to cease operations is separate to any regulatory action by RSHQ.
ENDS
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Last updated: 23 Aug 2024