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Mines safety alert no. Newsflash | 28 June 2019 | Version 1

Fatal accident as open cut coal mine pit wall failed

What happened?

On Wednesday 26 June 2019 at approximately 12.20pm, a 55 year old coal mine worker was fatally injured while he was operating an excavator at an open cut coal mine in Queensland’s Bowen Basin.

The coal mine worker was operating an excavator when an adjacent pit wall approximately 40 metres high has suddenly failed. This resulted in fallen material engulfing the excavator and partially crushing the excavator’s cabin. The excavator’s operator was fatally injured. The causes of this pit wall failure are unknown at this time.

How did it happen?

A formal investigation by the Queensland mines inspectorate is underway.

Recommendations

All mines should review their strata management plans particularly in relation to pit wall stability.

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

Safety Newsflashes Purpose

  1. Draw attention to the occurrence of a serious incident(s) in the mining industry
  2. Increase Risk awareness
  3. Promote mines to examine and check that their controls are adequate

The investigations are ongoing and further information may be published as it becomes available.

The information contained in this publication is based on knowledge and understanding at the time of writing.

Authorised by Peter Newman - Chief Inspector of Coal Mines

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.
General: This information is a guide only. 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 as open cut coal mine pit wall failed - https://www.rshq.qld.gov.au/safety-notices/mines/fatal-accident-as-open-cut-coal-mine-pit-wall-failed) is correct as of time of printing (Apr 24, 2024 11:54 pm).