Coal Inspectorate | Alert | No.444 V 1 | 08 February 2024
On Sunday 14 January 2024, a worker was struck by a rotating dragline upon completion of cable relocation works, within the operational swing boundaries of the dragline. The worker luckily avoided serious injury. In 2021 a coal mine worker died after being injured in a similar incident.
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 the worker undertook cable relocation works, while the dragline was stationary, but the worker has re-entered or remained in the operational swing boundary when the dragline became operational as they were checking the shoe clearance over the cable. The worker was struck by a dragline light on the underside of the house area.
A coal mine worker has been exposed to a hazard while working within the operational boundaries of the moving equipment. The investigation will consider issues such as communication between machine operators and persons on the ground, and verification of work practices.
The incident is still under investigation but is a timely reminder that mine personnel should ensure effective controls are in place to manage risks associated with moving equipment, such as draglines.
This may include:
Investigations are ongoing and further information may be published as it becomes available. The information in this publication is what was known at the time of writing.
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.
Contact: Grant Marxsen, Inspector of Mines , +61 7 3199 8001 QldMinesInspectorate@rshq.qld.gov.au
Issued by Resources Safety & Health Queensland
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All information on this page (Coal mine worker struck by rotating dragline - https://www.rshq.qld.gov.au/safety-notices/mines/coal-mine-worker-struck-by-rotating-dragline) is correct as of time of printing (Jul 28, 2024 1:50 am).