Road accidents in Central Queensland’s mining heartland are twice as likely to be fatal compared to the state average. To raise awareness, change this tragic statistic and save lives, the MEU Queensland District has rolled out a Road Safety Roadshow with events across the Bowen Basin.

The first event took place in Middlemount on February 28, followed by another in Dysart on March 8. Over the next few months events will also be held at Moranbah, Blackwater, Biloela, Dysart, Mackay and Rockhampton.

Rosie Wilson, Communications Officer from the MEU Queensland District, said road safety has always been an important issue for the Union.

“It’s something that’s always been close to our heart. Keeping our workers safe, not just on the job site, but to and from work.

“We’ve had a great turnout for the events so far. They are open to everyone in the community, free and family friendly. We encourage our members to bring along their family members and friends as this is an issue that affects everyone.”

Speaking at the events is fatigue specialist Naomi Rogers-Woodhouse. Naomi has studied the cause of many accidents in the region and is committed to working with industry and the Union to reduce fatigue-related fatalities.

In the Queensland mining industry, where shift work, long hours, and early starts are common, coal mine workers are especially vulnerable to fatigue.

Irregular work hours and shift work disrupt your body’s natural sleep cycle, making it harder to get the quality rest you need. This leads to poor quality sleep and not enough sleep. Shiftwork also causes disruptions to your circadian system – your internal body clock – and working shift work is like having permanent jet lag.

Fatigue affects your ability to perform safely. It slows your reflexes, clouds your judgment, and makes it harder to concentrate. It also increases the risk of microsleeps – brief, unintended episodes of sleep that last a few seconds. You may not even realise you’re having one until it’s too late.

“These events provide the space to ask important questions,” said Rosie.

“Are you getting enough rest before you drive to work? Are you monitoring your fatigue before you drive home? Do you have alternatives to driving?

“Then we share practical information and advice around fatigue management and safe practice, giving people the tools they need.

“Beyond that is all about spreading awareness; if you are not taking care of yourself then you are rolling the dice every time you get behind the wheel.”

The Roadshow is a part of the MEU’s Road Safety Campaign, a long-term initiative that was launched with one clear priority: the safety of members, their families, and the communities they live in.

District Vice-President Heath Timmins said the MEU is dedicated to advocating for critical improvements to roads and driving conditions in the Bowen Basin; ensuring mining companies comply with fatigue policies to protect worker safety; and raising awareness about safe driver behaviour. The overall aim is to reduce the number of road accidents in coal regions and save lives.

“The safety of members, families and communities are a top priority for the union,” Heath said.

“We believe that work doesn’t stop at the pit gate. Because the mine worker doesn’t only need to come out of the mine, he or she needs to make it home safe as well. This campaign is an extension of our commitment to safety in all aspects.”

To find out more go to: www.meuqld.org.au/road-safety-campaign/