The Mining and Energy Union said a man in his 70’s who was flown to Brisbane in a critical condition following a mine site accident in the southern Bowen Basin will undergo an operation this afternoon.

District Vice president, Shane Brunker said the man’s condition was improving. 

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

The Queensland Ambulance Service said a man in his 70s had suffered significant chest, facial, arm and abdominal injuries. Mr Brunker said the man’s jaw was the subject of the surgery.

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.’

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

Related: Mastermyne fined $7m over Crinum mine death

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.

Sojitz Blue has been contracted to confirm whether or not its operations are continuing to operate while the investigation is being carried out.