August 29, 2024
The investigation into the second fatality in three weeks at Byerwen mine continues as members return to work.
Workers at Byerwen coal mine in the Bowen Basin were left traumatised following the death of John Linwood when the light vehicle he was driving collided with a large haul truck on Thursday 22 August.
MEU Industry Safety and Health Representatives immediately attended the site and alongside Resources Safety Health Queensland (RSHQ) issued a directive to suspend the use of all heavy vehicles at the mine.
Workers were sent home on full pay while an investigation got underway.
Earlier this week, directives given to QCoal at Byerwen mine by RSHQ and MEU Industry Safety and Health Representatives were lifted.
The directives were lifted in response to QCoal’s compliance with the relevant safety processes in recent days.
Since then, members have been asked to return to work as operations have slowly ramped up over the last few days.
Queensland District President, Mitch Hughes said that members are understandably still feeling uncertain as they prepare to return to work.
“We are approaching this with extreme caution and watching things very closely.
“QCoal has provided some evidence which demonstrates that they can resume operations safely at this stage.
“However, the investigation continues into both fatalities.
“We will continue to support our members as they return to work.
The fatalities have left the Queensland mining industry reeling, coming soon after a major underground explosion at Grosvenor mine at the end of June.
With Grosvenor remaining closed, workers are in the process of being redeployed to other Anglo operations, including Moranbah North mine, Aquila mine, and some open-cut mines.
The MEU will be supporting members as they go through the redeployment process over the next few weeks.
“There are still some details that we are working through with Anglo regarding arrangements for workers around travel and accommodation.
“We will continue to work with the company to iron out these details to ensure as smooth a transition as possible for workers.”