Fatal accident when coal mine worker was struck by rotating dragline

What happened?

On Sunday 21 November 2021, at the Curragh Mine, a worker suffered fatal injuries in an incident that occurred when he was performing cable relocation work on the dragline within the operational swing boundaries of the dragline.

How did it happen?

The worker was a dragline operator undertaking cable relocation work on the ground within the operational swing boundaries of the rotating dragline. Preliminary investigations suggest that the worker undertook work using the cable tractor whilst the dragline was stationary, but that the worker either re-entered or remained in the operational swing boundary when the dragline became operational. The worker was struck by the dragline propel shoe, resulting in him sustaining fatal injuries.

Key issues

A coal mine worker has been exposed to a hazard while working within operational boundaries of moving equipment.
The investigation will consider issues such as communication between machine operators and persons on the ground, and verification of work practices.

Recommendations

This incident is still under investigation but is a timely reminder that mine personnel should ensure effective controls are in place to manage risks relating to moving equipment such as draglines.

This may include:

ensuring persons undertaking activities are adequately trained in all relevant aspects of the mine’s safety and health management system
auditing and validating operating procedures on a regular basis
ensuring the system provides adequate supervision for anyone undertaking work in the vicinity of operational swing boundaries of draglines
ensuring workers are trained and made aware of the ongoing risks when working in the vicinity of mining equipment when an operator is at the controls
ensuring workers are trained in the content and application of positive communication procedures
ensuring supervisors monitor compliance with site positive communication procedures.

Place this announcement on noticeboards and ensure all relevant people in your organisation receive a copy and the content is discussed and communicated

Authorised by Peter Newman - chief-inspector-coal

Contact: Neville Atkinson, Senior Inspector of Mines (Electrical) , 0417 646 123 QldMinesInspectorate@rshq.qld.gov.au

Issued by Resources Safety & Health Queensland

Safety: This information is a guide only and is issued to promote safety through experience. It is not to be taken as a statement of law and must not be construed to waive or modify any legal obligation.

Placement: Place this announcement on noticeboards and ensure all relevant people in your organisation receive a copy.

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All information on this page (Fatal accident when coal mine worker was struck by rotating dragline - https://www.rshq.qld.gov.au/safety-and-health-alerts/mines/fatal-accident-when-coal-mine-worker-was-struck-by-rotating-dragline) is correct as of time of printing (Oct 27, 2026 7:48 pm).