Coronado Global Resources has increased its level of investigations of recordable injuries and inspections, leading to an improved total reportable injury frequency rate (TRIFR) at the Curragh coal mine in Queensland.
Its TRIFR sat at 9.40 by the end of 2020, down from 9.88 at the end of the September quarter.
Although this is slightly above the Australian industry benchmark, Coronado was pleased to report that its increase in site inspections and audits ensured better employees compliance to health and safety standards.
Coronado also improved its management of injured workers by prioritising higher level investigations of recorded injuries that occurred on its Australian mine sites.
January 12 marked a one-year milestone since the company’s last fatality at Curragh, an event which had catalysed the safety overhaul at both Coronado’s Australian and United States based operations last year.
In remembrance of this, Coronado paused its production momentarily at the Curragh mine to allow some time for workers to reflect on the accident and the victim, while holding safety discussions within the teams.
“We again express our deepest sympathies to (the victim’s) family and co-workers at this time,” Coronado chief executive Gerry Spindler said.
“Safety continues to be our primary focus. A number of safety initiatives were implemented in Australia and the Untied States to focus on reducing injuries.
“2020 was both (a) rewarding and challenging year for Coronado and I would like to thank our employees at all levels of the organisation for their effort and diligence during a difficult year.”
The 2020 mine accident led to operations suspension at the Curragh mine last year, with the Queensland Mines Inspectorate (QMI) ordering a halt to all tyre and wheel rim fitting activities on site.
The victim was fatally injured while changing a tyre in the mine’s main workshop.