Charges laid over Saraji coal mine death

The State Government has filed charges against BMA over the death of a man at the Saraji coal mine near Moranbah in late 2018. Allan Houston, 49, from Gracemere, died on December 31 2018 after the dozer he was operating rolled about 10pm. The Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy (DNRME) today confirmed it had filed charges in the industrial magistrates court against BMA and a BMA representative alleging breaches of statutory safety and health obligations resulting in Mr Houston's death. "In the past year, DNRME has also commenced proceedings against two Queensland quarry operators and their representatives in respect of two fatal incidents that occurred in 2018, alleging breaches of safety and health obligations causing death," a department spokesman said. "Other proceedings are also underway in relation to alleged breaches of safety and health obligations causing serious injuries to a coal mine worker at Glencore-run coal handling and preparation plant." A BMA spokesman said the company had been named in proceedings lodged in Mackay in relation to Mr Houston’s death, but it was not appropriate to comment further while the matter was before the courts. Industry needs stronger deterrents - Smyth CFMEU Mining and Energy Queensland President Stephen Smyth said the charges against BMA sent a strong message to employers in the Queensland mining sector and would be welcomed by workers. “The coal industry has had a culture of production at any cost," he said. “If companies are going to change their behaviour and provide safe workplaces, then there needs to be real consequences for breaches of safety requirements. “Over the past 18 months we’ve seen the worst spate of fatalities in Queensland’s mining industry for decades. There have also been some shocking near misses, including dangerous incidents working in and around water at BMA mines, that should have served as a warning. “The Queensland Government has said it will extend industrial manslaughter legislation to the mining industry, and this can’t happen quickly enough. “The status quo isn’t working – the industry needs stronger deterrents to cutting corners on safety.” https://www.i-q.net.au/main/tyre-fitting-ban-directive-at-fatal-mine-accident-site https://www.i-q.net.au/main/statewide-safety-notice-on-coal-fall-dangers

Charges laid over Saraji coal mine death

Industry Queensland

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