Spike in crane-related incidents within coal mining industry
The coal mining watchdog has highlighted a dangerous pattern involving cranes at Bowen Basin coal mines, as investigations are launched into two incidents.
Mackay
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The coal mining watchdog has highlighted a dangerous pattern involving cranes at Bowen Basin coal mines, as investigations are launched into two incidents.
This comes as the Resources Safety and Health Queensland records a spike in crane-related incidents as recent as August 1 when a Central Queensland worker suffered a leg fracture.
He was hit in the knee by the load from a moving pick and carry crane.
He was flown to Rockhampton hospital for treatment.
On Monday July 31 Moranbah coal mine worker was operating an articulated mobile crane to lift a container when it fell to its side while turning.
RSHQ confirmed it is investigating both incidents.
This follows a digger roll at Saraji mine on July 16 with one person suffering a minor injury.
It is understood a trainer had been instructing a trainee, who had been operating the EX5600 excavator at the time of the fall.
RSHQ’s Chief Inspector of Coal Mines Jacques le Roux said more coal mine workers were in danger of being seriously hurt if best practice was not implemented.
“There are a number of reasons why we’re seeing more incidents but a big one is operating on uneven ground,” said Mr le Roux.
“Very few areas on a mine site where articulated mobile cranes are utilised can be considered to be firm, level and uniform.”
Mr le Roux said senior site executives should consider “reducing the crane load capacity to cater for wheel ruts, potholes, protrusions and depressions found on flat mine surfaces”.
“It’s also important to have no-go zones in place and enforced, to ensure there are no workers in harm’s way if a load drops from a crane,” he said.
Articulated mobile cranes are widely used across coal mines and allow workers to move heavy loads.
The Crane Industry Council of Australia estimated mobile cranes accounted for between 64 and 68 per cent of all crane incidents.
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