Add Category
Possible communication issues between staff are being investigated following the death of a Central Queensland mine worker at the weekend.
Key points:
- A safety alert said at the time of the incident, Clark Peadon was doing cable relocation work on the ground
- Preliminary investigations suggest a dragline became operational while Mr Peadon was using it
- The investigation is ongoing, with several key issues in the alert to be looked at
Clark Peadon from The Caves, north of Rockhampton, died at the Curragh coal mine north of Blackwater early Sunday morning.
Resources Safety and Health Queensland has now issued a safety alert outlining what happened, key issues that may be looked at in the investigation and safety recommendations.
The regulator's Coal Inspectorate said in the alert that at the time of the incident, Mr Peadon, 54, was doing cable relocation work on the ground, but 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," the alert stated.
"But that the worker [then] either re-entered or remained in the operational swing boundary when the dragline became operational."
The alert said Mr Peadon was then struck by the dragline propel shoe, resulting in the fatal injuries.
It said the key issues to be looked at would include that a coal mine worker had 'been exposed to a hazard' while working within operational boundaries of moving equipment.
"The investigation will [also] consider issues such as communication between machine operators and persons on the ground, and verification of work practices" it read.
The incident is still under investigation, but the alert said it was a "timely reminder" that mine personnel should ensure "effective controls are in place" to manage risks when moving equipment such as draglines.