Resources Minister Scott Stewart acknowledged a ‘rough and heartbreaking year’ in the mining industry as he addressed this year’s Queensland Miners Memorial Day service in Collinsville.

Just last month Chris Schloss, a 48-year-old father of five, was fatally injured when a pick and carry crane rolled at the QCoal Byerwen mine’s campsite.

Only three weeks later, 56-year-old John Linwood was killed in a vehicle collision at Byerwen mine.

Related: More details emerge on Byerwen mine death

Those deaths followed a fatal accident at BMA’s Saraji mine in January, when 27-year-old Luke O’Brien significant crush injuries.

“I want to assure everyone that all of these fatalities are under investigation by our safety regulator, Resources Safety and Health Queensland,” Mr Stewart said.

“While we can’t talk about those investigations, I can say that tireless work is underway to bring about change and answers for the families and friends of the deceased workers.

“No death should happen at any workplace and my thoughts are with the families, friends and colleagues of those who have died while on the job. Each of these deaths is a tragedy, and we must do everything in our power to prevent them.”

He described the Resources Safety and Health Legislation Amendment Act passed a few months ago as a huge step towards improving the safety of Queensland resource workers.

“These legislative changes implement the final recommendations from the Queensland Coal Mining Board of Inquiry, which investigated and inquired into issues surrounding the first Grosvenor mine explosion,” he said.

“Most of these changes are now in effect, but others will be rolled out over the next five years, and that’s to allow enough time for industry to prepare.

Related: Mine workers pause to remember Luke

“The reforms promote high reliability organisational behaviours within the resources sector, modernise enforcement powers, and ensure Queensland’s resources safety and health legislation is contemporary and effective.

“Critical controls are a particular focus and aim to address serious risks on mine sites. Previously, these controls have been applied on a voluntary basis across industry. The new laws now require mine and quarry sites to include critical controls in their safety and health management systems.”

He also stressed the importance of a ‘reporting culture’ to decrease harm.

“Miners Memorial Day is crucial for two reasons: The first is to remember the lives we’ve lost. The second is a reminder of how far we’ve come, but also how much more we must do,” Mr Stewart said.

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