The resources safety regulator in Queensland has issued a proactive safety alert highlighting measures to prevent falling plant, tools and equipment incidents across the state’s mining operations.
Resources Safety and Health Queensland’s (RSHQ) guidance focuses on practical, actionable steps to protect personnel and strengthen operational resilience.
Key recommendations include clearly defined and enforced drop‑zone exclusion areas, tethering tools used at height, thorough risk assessments, and regular maintenance inspections of lifting equipment and machinery.
Additional strategies for incident prevention include ensuring change-management protocols are in place, having resources available to deal with any safety issues (such as equipment or time) and fostering a culture of active and accountable collaboration and supervision.
Recent incident analyses underline the effectiveness of such proactive approaches. Examples include heavy drill pipes, rods and dragline components that, without proper controls, could have caused serious injury.
By systematically addressing these risks, operators can prevent similar events and create a safer working environment.
“By prioritising prevention and embedding robust safety practices, mining operators can safeguard personnel while enhancing operational excellence,” RSHQ chief executive officer Robert Djukic said.
The alert urges mine sites to prominently display the guidance and ensure all personnel understand and implement it.
Through focused, preventive strategies, Queensland’s mining sector is turning lessons from past incidents into stronger safety outcomes, demonstrating that effective risk management and operational efficiency go hand in hand.
Since July 2023, more than 300 such incidents have been recorded across coal, mineral, quarrying, and petroleum and gas sites, emphasising the opportunity for improved safety practices.
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