A miner is in a critical condition following a workplace incident at the Gregory Crinum Mine over the weekend.
According to a preliminary report released late yesterday by safety regulator Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ), the injured miner was working on a compressed air pipeline when a part failed, leading to a sequence of events that left him in a critical condition.
“A worker sustained serious injuries while undertaking work on a pressurised compressed air pipeline system,” they said.
“Preliminary information indicates the injured worker was standing on the front bumper bar of a drift runner to access the pipework.
“While tightening the clamp, the pressurised clamp and pipe assembly reportedly failed, releasing compressed air and creating significant dust and reduced visibility.
“The worker subsequently fell from the front of the drift runner.
“For reasons yet to be determined, the operator of the drift runner moved the vehicle and subsequently made contact with the fallen worker, resulting in serious injuries.”
“RSHQ is investigating the incident, and we have issued directives to isolate the scene and suspend certain operations until they can be performed to an acceptable level of risk.”
Gregory Crinum coal mine is located about 60 km northeast of Emerald by road and is operated by Sojitz Blue.