Updated: The Mining and Energy Union has been informed of the shocking news that a worker was killed and another injured at Oaky North mine near Tieri in Central Queensland on Wednesday.
The MEU understands that the two contractors were working on the surface preparing for an underground maintenance job when the tragedy occurred. At this early stage of the investigation it appears that a failure of equipment resulted in the workers being struck, resulting in fatal injuries for one worker and serious injuries for the other.
MEU Industry Safety and Health Representatives (ISHRs) are at the site to conduct investigations.
MEU Queensland District President Mitch Hughes said the news would devastate workers across the industry, still reeling from recent fatalities at Byerwen mine.
“We’ve had a shocking run of deaths and injuries in the Queensland coal industry and unfortunately we are seeing some patterns in the kind of work being performed when things go wrong.
“We will leave no stone unturned in uncovering what has gone wrong at Oaky North,” said Mr Hughes.
“But we will also be pushing for an industry-wide examination of work practices, especially involving contractors and maintenance tasks, who are sadly over-represented in serious workplace accidents. Something in this area of our industry is not working and not protecting our contract coal miners.
“We need to look broadly at training, supervision, systems and workplace culture.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to families, friends and workmates of the deceased mineworker; and pray for a full recovery for the injured mineworker.”
Contact details:
media@meu.org.au / Monique Blasiak 0430515162