Bowen Basin coal miner’s finger partially amputated

A Bowen Basin coal miner had his finger partially amputated on the job sparking a safety call across the resources sector. WARNING: Distressing images

Resources Safety and Health Queensland is urging mine sites to be more hands on when it comes to preventing one of the mining industry's most common incidents. Pictures: Supplied by RSHQ

A Bowen Basin coal miner had his finger partially amputated sparking a safety call across the resources sector with industry watchdog saying “it’s just not good enough”.

In 2023 there have already been 55 serious incident reported across Queensland coal mines with 28 involving fingers, one of the most recent happening west of Mackay.

On August 24, 2023 a drill rig operator had mistakenly thought their co-worker’s hands were clear before starting equipment and as a result his finger was partially amputated.

The finger was recovered and taken with the worker to Moranbah hospital.

A Bowen Basin coal miner had his finger partially amputated in August 2023. Pictures: Supplied by RSHQ

Resources Safety and Health Queensland has urged mine sites to be more hands on when it comes to preventing what it has labelled one of the industries most common incidents.

“It’s just not good enough, especially when we know these injuries are preventable,” RSHQ chief inspector of coal mines Jacques le Roux said.

In 2023 there have been 55 serious incident reported across Queensland coal mines with just more than half involving fingers. Pictures: Supplied by RSHQ

“Even though these injuries are not life-threatening, they have a serious impact on the lives of workers.

“Because hands are complex body parts, they don’t always perform the same way, or as well, after they have been seriously injured, even after rehabilitation.”

Resources Safety and Health Queensland is urging mine sites to be more hands on when it comes to preventing one of the mining industry's most common incidents. Pictures: Supplied by RSHQ

One quarter of the reported serious incidents with fingers involved considerable risk activities associated with lifting, slinging and towing, RSHQ investigations revealed.

“Hands are often the body part nearest to a hazard, so risk controls need to focus on lowering the exposure of hands to hazards that can cause serious injury,” Mr le Roux said.

The safety watchdog has recommended each site implement a “hands free” work initiative, which means using machinery and appropriate tools where possible to reduce the need for hands around pinch and crush points.

RSHQ also recommends sites review and monitor their management processes, manning-requirements for tasks, and lifting procedures.