Coal mine worker injured by forklift tipping bin | Resources Safety & Health Queensland
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Coal Inspectorate | Alert | No.470 V 1 | 03 February 2026

Coal mine worker injured by forklift tipping bin

Summary

  • A coal mine worker was injured during a serious incident involving a forklift tipping bin (tippler) on the surface of an underground coal mine.
  • The worker put themselves in the line of fire when they got out of the forklift and entered the exclusion zone of the bin, which released and struck them.
  • The worker’s leg was injured, however this incident could have been fatal. Learnings are outlined below.

A forklift with a metal bin in front of it on the ground and the scene is taped off

Figure 1: The scene where the incident occurred.

Issue Explained

  • The Central Queensland mine had three tippler bins on the surface which were used for scrap metal.
  • A coal mine worker was preparing to empty one of the tippler bins into a larger skip bin using a forklift.
  • The worker exited the forklift and entered the exclusion zone of the bin, which was on the ground, to check there was enough room in the larger bin for the scrap metal.
  • Shortly afterwards, the tippler bin pivot mechanism released, causing the bin and scrap metal debris to topple and injure the worker’s leg.
  • The worker was working alone and was quickly discovered by colleagues.
  • Investigations show several contributing factors to this incident, including:
    • Line of fire: The coal mine worker walked into the exclusion zone of the tippler bin, placing themselves in the line of fire. There was a lack of hazard management as there were no ‘No Go Zones’ or exclusion zones identified for the tippler bins.
    • Training: Drop zones or exclusion zones for tippler bins were not identified in training materials.
    • Risk management: Risk assessment and risk management for the tippler bin was not effective.
    • Equipment testing and maintenance: Non-destructive testing (NDT) was not conducted on the tippler bins and there was no maintenance schedule for them. The plant warning placards were damaged and mostly illegible.
    • Introduction process: Tippler bins were reintroduced into service at the site after a previous 2009 incident without following the ‘site introduction into service’ system and without due diligence being conducted to ensure the plant was fit-for-purpose.

Learnings

  • All Senior Site Executives (SSE) should take action to ensure appropriate review, assessment and management of exclusion zone, drop zone and line of fire risks at their sites.
  • Noting the circumstances of this incident, SSEs should also determine if the same or similar tippler bins exist at their site and take action to appropriately mitigate associated risks. Steps include reviewing systems for scrap metal bins such as:
    • Introduction to site processes.
    • Risk management for design and operations.
    • Site procedures for use and maintenance.
    • Site training for use and maintenance.
    • Ensuring mobile plant is fit for purpose to lift, transport and empty scrap metal bins.
    • Identifying ‘No Go Zones’ for plant and equipment.
  • Site protocols for working alone or working in isolation both on the surface of a mine and underground should also be established.
  • Additionally, SSEs are reminded to ensure all plant and equipment is fit-for-purpose. Although it’s not certain if it directly contributed to this incident, the forklift tynes did not fit the pockets of tippler bin fully.
  • Appropriate actions need to be taken after serious incidents. SSEs should review the effectiveness of their investigation system for the close out of actions and the monitor/review process following incidents.

Investigations are ongoing and further information may be published as it becomes available. The information in this publication is what is known at the time of writing.

We issue Safety Notices to draw attention to the occurrence of a serious incident, raise awareness of risks, and prompt assessment of your existing controls.

References and further information

Authorised by Jacques Le Roux - Chief Inspector – Coal

Contact:

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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