Investigations are continuing into a weekend accident at the Crinum underground mine, 60km north-east of Emerald.

A man in his 70s was flown from Rockhampton Hospital to Brisbane yesterday in a critical condition.

The hospital confirmed the man was in an induced coma.

The Queensland Ambulance Service said a man in his 70s had suffered significant chest, facial, arm and abdominal injuries.

The accident happened around 10am on Saturday.

Resources Safety and Health Queensland said ‘preliminary information indicated the incident involved maintenance work to address the failure of a component of a pressurised compressed-air pipeline system and subsequent contact between the worker and a drift runner.’ (main image)

A drift runner is a heavy-duty utility vehicle built to transport workers and materials.

RSHQ has issued directives to isolate the scene and suspend certain operations until they can be performed to an acceptable level of risk.

In an alert to industry, RSHQ said preliminary information indicated the injured worker was standing on the drift runner’s front bumper bar. He was accessing the pipework.

“While tightening the clamp, the pressurised clamp and pipe assembly reportedly failed, releasing compressed air and creating significant dust and reduced visibility,” the advice said.

“The worker subsequently fell from the front of the drift runner. For reasons yet to be determined the operator of the drift runner moved the vehicle and subsequently made contact with the fallen worker, resulting in serious injuries.

“Coal mine operators should verify that effective controls are in place for work involving pressurised systems, stored energy, and mobile equipment.

“Workers should identify hazards, assess risks, and verify controls remain effective before commencing work and whenever conditions change.”

Mining and Energy Union Queensland vice-president Shane Brunker said a man broke his leg on a conveyor at the mine last week.

A team including Industry Safety Health Representatives drawn from the union, Resources Safety and Health Queensland and the mine is contributing to the investigation.