Injured workers dismantling scaffolding when steam hit

Two contract workers were working at heights to dismantle scaffolding when they suffered serious steam burns in an incident at the Mount Isa Mines copper smelter. Mount Isa Mines provided further details on the Anzac Day accident in an update today, saying the steam discharged from a pressure relief valve in an adjacent vessel while the men were performing that task. The men, aged 25 and 26, remained in a critical condition in the Royal Brisbane Hospital this afternoon (April 26) after being airlifted from Mount Isa by the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Resources Safety and Health Queensland said its Serious Incident Investigation Unit had taken over the investigation, with two investigators on scene. Member for Traeger Robbie Katter said incidents like this had a strong impact on what was Queensland's largest mining city, with a great proportion of the population either working at the Mount Isa Mines operations or having family or friends there. "It's a reminder of how risky a job it is," he said. "And so the whole thing that underpins our economy and is intrinsically linked with our prosperity here also can be dangerous and potentially lethal. So I guess there's that sobering element to it. "But the main thing is just concern. Everyone immediately wants to know who it is. Do we know them? Are all our friends accounted for? And typically what happens is once people point out who it is, they rush to the aid of the families." Related: Men suffer burns in copper smelter steam vent incident The RFDS reported that the 25-year-old man had suffered burns to about 50 per cent of his body, most significantly around his face and neck, while the 26-year-old man was described as having burns to 60 per cent of his body, occurring from the neck down. A company spokeswoman today said Mount Isa Mines was temporarily suspending surface operations for the next 24 hours to discuss and reflect on this incident and to reinforce the business's commitment tosafe production. "Mount Isa Mines continues to work with Resources Safety and Health Queensland to understand the events leading up to the incident," the company said in a written statement. "Our immediate focus is on providing support to the injured workers and all those affected. Our thoughts are with their family, friends, and coworkers during this difficult period. "The safety and health of our people is our priority." AWU Queensland secretary Stacey Schinnerl said the union was very concerned by the copper smelter incident. "Our officials are in constant contact with our members, the company and the inspectorate as this investigation begins to take place," she said. "Every worker deserves to come home safe, and these two workers tragically have not. "Tough questions need to be asked about how an incident like this has occurred. "Out of respect for the workers involved, their families, workmates and their friends, we will not be making further comment until we receive reports from the inspectorate."

Injured workers dismantling scaffolding when steam hit

Industry Queensland

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