New mine death coroner probes two Bowen Basin fatalities in first major test
Queensland's new mine death coroner has launched investigations into two separate mining fatalities involving a bulldozer rollover and fatal haul truck collision.
Investigations into two separate mining fatalities – a bulldozer rollover and a haul truck collision – will be the first major tests for the newly created mine death coroner.
Coroner Wayne Pennell, who stepped into the role in May 2025, has ordered inquests into the tragic deaths of Allan Houston and John Linwood, who were both killed at separate Bowen Basin mine sites.
The coronial probes will zero in on critical safety questions from risk management policies to the use of medications on the job.
Dozer rollover
A pre-inquest conference has been scheduled for dozer operator Mr Houston, who was killed at Saraji open cut mine on New Year’s Eve 2018 when his bulldozer rolled 18m off an embankment.
The bulldozer came to rest upside down in a pool of mud and water and 49-year-old Mr Houston was found inside the cabin with his seatbelt fastened. He did not survive.
BHP was subsequently charged with failing to discharge health and safety obligations over the death and fined $78,000.
For the Saraji inquest, Coroner Pennell will probe risk identification and management, and emergency communication systems at the mine site specifically concerning the work performed by dozer operators.
Haul truck collision
An inquest has also been scheduled for Mr Linwood, who died at Byerwen mine on August 22, 2024.
The 56-year-old Macmahon contractor had been driving a light vehicle when it and a large haul truck collided.
doxylamineThe loaded dump truck was ascending the ramp leading out of the pit at low speed when the light vehicle ran into the large vehicle’s rear and became wedged underneath. As a result Mr Linwood died.
A unique focus of the Byerwen death injury will be the role of medication and the potential effect of doxylamine on Mr Linwood and his ability to safely operate the vehicle and/or respond appropriately.
Coroner Pennell will also question what steps were taken regarding education programs on the importance of accurate employee medical declarations for all medications to prevent similar incidents.
Common focus
Both coronial inquiries will share a crucial focus on technological and preventive measures across the industry, such as whether the two sites had adequate policies, training and procedures in place for the work performed and if the machinery used by the workers were fitted with appropriate technology and safety features.
This includes if the plant equipment was fitted with technology to manage and report on equipment performance, increase operator awareness and visibility, identify and manage operator fatigue and distraction, and alert operators to potential collisions.
They will also look at what changes could or need to be made to prevent similar deaths in the future.
The pre inquest conference into Mr Houston’s death is scheduled for mid-December, while the inquest into Mr Linwood’s death is listed for mid-March 2026.
