Truck rollover, windblast and conveyor fire underline mine safety risks

A series of recent mine safety incidents in New South Wales and Queensland has reinforced ongoing concerns about worker safety in both underground and surface coal operations. Regulators have urged mine operators to review controls and reinforce compliance following multiple dangerous events recorded in late September.

NSW incidents under review

The NSW Resources Regulator reported 41 incidents for the week ending 26 September, with three dangerous events highlighted.

At an open cut coal mine, a dump truck crossed a centre bund and rolled onto its side. The operator, rescued by elevated work platform, was uninjured. Regulators emphasised the importance of speed compliance on ramps and crests, seatbelt use, and regular audits of monitoring systems.

In an underground coal operation, a goaf fall during pillar extraction triggered a suspected windblast, knocking three workers off their feet. One sustained a shoulder injury requiring hospital treatment, while two others suffered minor injuries. Investigators have reminded all underground operators that windblast risks must be built into ground or strata failure management plans, supported by trigger action response plans (TARPs).

A third incident involved a longwall conveyor fire, where a 300 mm flame was observed near the tail pulley bearing after the system was restarted. The fire was quickly extinguished. Regulators have recommended design reviews of conveyor bootends, proactive bearing change-outs, and increased vigilance during inspections in high-tension areas.

Queensland ignition event

Separately, Resources Safety & Health Queensland (RSHQ) issued an alert after a bulldozer ignition event at a coal mine injured a worker. The incident occurred when diesel vapours ignited near the fuel cap, burning the worker. Initial findings suggest vapour ignition remains a high risk when refuelling or working near open fuel caps, particularly at elevated temperatures.

The Queensland Mines Inspectorate stressed the importance of educating workers on diesel properties, enforcing safe work procedures, and maintaining strict controls around ignition sources.

Industry reminders

Both regulators highlighted that while investigations are ongoing, operators should take immediate steps to review controls, reinforce training, and monitor compliance. The NSW Resources Regulator and RSHQ publish regular safety alerts and bulletins to support mine operators in meeting their statutory obligations.