As 2024 draws to a close, independent regulator Resources Health and Safety Queensland is reminding workers and operators of the dangers of being ‘in the line of fire’ while at work.

RSHQ CEO Rob Djukic said it is vital that industry does everything it can to ensure that every worker goes home safely.

“As many of us are getting ready for the holiday season, it’s important we reflect on the tragic events we’ve seen in our industry this year,” Rob said.

“Our thoughts continue to be with the family and friends of loved ones who lost their lives, and those who have sustained injuries in serious accidents at mines this year.

“RSHQ is committed to its vision of zero serious harm in the Queensland resources sector.”

Investigations into recent accidents are continuing, but it is understood that in many cases workers involved were in the firing line during an equipment failure occurrence, and within ‘no-go zones’, where it is reasonably expected that exclusion zones apply.

In the most recent fatality at Oaky North coal mine onOctober 2, 2024, workers are understood to have been standing in the line of fire. During the incident, a sled laden with conveyor trough frames was being winched up and along the conveyor walkaway.

Based on initial investigation reports, two coal mine workers standing on the uphill side of the sled have been impacted after a sudden release of energy, resulting in one worker being fatally injured and another worker sustaining significant injuries.

In an incident in September 2024, a tyre fitter and tyre manipulator operator were completing a vertical mount of a five-piece wheel assembly on a dump truck at a surface mine’s tyre bay, when the tyre fitter was struck by a falling bead seat band and side ring, suffering significant injuries to his foot, arm and head.

“RSHQ is working closely with operators to identify and raise awareness of risks, and to assess existing controls,” Rob said.

“Identifying lines of fire, establishing clear exclusion zones and more effective control measures are just some of the improvements RSHQ has identified can be made.

“We’ll continue to work closely with mine operators to ensure that safety obligations are met, and workers can continue to do their jobs safely and efficiently.”

Some of the key learnings RSHQ has recommended are listed below: No-go zones: – No-go zones or exclusion zones must be established before maintenance tasks commence and maintained for the duration of work. – The exclusion zone must be clearly defined and, where possible, physically prevent entry into the exclusion zone. – Potential lines of fire must be considered when establishing no-go zones. Towing procedures: – Equipment failure during hauling and loading type operations can occur at any stage. Workers need to be aware of this and stay well clear of items such as cables, ropes, and chains when they are under tension. – When planning a task involving lifting or towing, the rating and yield load of all components including the connection points must be considered in the design of the lifting or towing system. Fatal hazard controls: – Review the ‘hierarchy of controls’: the most effective control measure involves eliminating the hazard and its associated risk. The best way to eliminate a hazard is to not introduce the hazard in the first place. Avoid relying on administrative controls. – Pay particular attention to task-based risk management processes to ensure fatal hazards are identified. – Ensure all workers, including supervisors, involved in a task are appropriately inducted and aware of all identified hazards and relevant controls.

To read RSHQ’s full safety alert, visit: www.rshq.qld.gov.au/safety-notices/mines/line-of-fire-and-exclusion-zone-failings