The beginning of a new year is a moment for fresh starts – but also a time to reflect on the risks we face every day in our industry and recommit to doing everything we can to protect our workmates, friends and families.
This year has already begun with two fatalities in Queensland’s mining sector – a stark reminder that the work we do remains inherently hazardous despite decades of improvements in safety systems, training and technology. Recent incidents have again highlighted persistent risks, particularly where workers have been positioned in the “line of fire” or within exclusion zones during high-risk tasks.
Meanwhile, drop-zone incidents – where tools or equipment fall and narrowly miss workers – are rising, with more than 140 such events recorded in 2025 across Queensland mining operations. These near misses underscore how quickly things can go from normal to catastrophic.
In contrast, NSW’s coal sector has had no work-related fatalities over the past reporting period, though serious injuries and incidents continue to occur, with hundreds notified to the NSW Resources Regulator and safety notices issued across operations.
Across Australia, mining remains one of the industries with the highest fatality rates. With 2026 already highlighting the risks we face, the following practical reminders are offered to help everyone return home safely.
Respect the “Line of Fire”
Always identify and control areas where stored energy – hydraulic, gravitational, or mechanical – could release unexpectedly. Never enter exclusion zones without proper clearance and safeguards in place. Take the time to think about what could move, and where it could go if it did.
Keep exclusion zones clear and enforced
Drop-zone and struck-by incidents often happen because exclusion zones are poorly defined or ignored. Make these spaces unmistakable with clear signage, barriers and communication. If you wouldn’t want to be hit by it, don’t stand near it.
Check every tool and piece of equipment
Regular inspections aren’t just a box to tick – they’re a chance to catch worn components, loose fittings or untethered tools before they become hazards. Tether tools at height, inspect lifting gear daily, and always tag out defects.
Communicate constantly
Whether it’s moving vehicles in a yard or coordinating a shutdown for maintenance, communication saves lives. Use spotters, radios, hand signals and pre-start briefings to make intentions clear. If you’re not certain someone else knows what you’re doing, tell them again.
Watch out for fatigue
Shift work, long hours and irregular rosters can blunt focus and slow reactions both on site and on the road to and from mine sites. Prioritise sleep, monitor fatigue and speak up if you’re not right to work. Never forget that getting home safe includes the trip home.
Look out for each other
Safety isn’t just about procedures – it’s about culture. Don’t hesitate to stop work if you see something unsafe. Encourage near miss reporting and honest conversations about what could go wrong. Remember, you don’t need permission to make your workplace safer.
Shared responsibility
Coal mining will always involve risk, but every incident we prevent is a life saved. As this year unfolds, we owe it to the families of those we’ve lost to keep safety at the forefront of every shift, every job and every activity.
