Mining Industry Must Act Now to Prevent Further Tragedies

Published - November 8, 2024

A Call for Proactive Safety Measures Amid Queensland’s Rising Fatality Count

In a devastating year for Queensland’s mining industry, yet another worker has tragically lost their life at the Oaky Creek Coal underground mine, bringing the total fatalities to four in 2024.

This recent incident underscores the urgent need for stronger safety protocols in an industry facing increased scrutiny and regulatory pressure. Families and communities are grieving, but industry leaders must now focus on proactive measures to prevent further loss of life.

"Our deepest sympathies go out to both workers' families, friends, and colleagues,” said Ian Cribb, Australian Coal arm chief executive of Glencore, following the fatality at Oaky Creek​

Mitch Hughes, Queensland district president of the Mining and Energy Union, also expressed the emotional toll these incidents are having on the industry: “We will leave no stone unturned in uncovering what has gone wrong,” emphasizing the need for immediate action and stronger safety protocols.

The increasing number of fatalities in Queensland has sparked calls for urgent changes to Mining safety, but safety experts are warning that companies must not rely solely on compliance with existing regulations.

With incidents still under investigation, experts are advocating for the implementation of cutting-edge safety management software, which can help prevent the very circumstances that have led to these tragedies.

“While regulatory compliance is essential, it is no longer enough,” said Scott Jackson, CEO of SafetyIQ. “We must be proactive in identifying and mitigating risks before they lead to tragedy.”

“At SafetyIQ, our software provides mining operators with tools to manage fatigue, monitor hazards in real-time, and ensure the safety of their workers long before incidents like these occur. We want to help the industry move from reacting to crises to preventing them altogether.”

Recent data from Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) shows that the state has witnessed multiple mining fatalities over the past year, prompting a series of safety alerts and regulatory updates aimed at addressing key risk factors like fatigue, equipment malfunctions, and vehicle interactions. Yet, even with these updates, incidents continue to occur, underscoring the need for more advanced safety protocols.

“Mining is one of the most dangerous industries in Queensland, and every loss of life is one too many,” said Scott Jackson. “Our technology is designed to prevent the human error that so often leads to these tragedies, ensuring that workers can return home safely to their families each day.”

Following these fatalities, Queensland’s mining regulatory bodies, including the RSHQ, have ramped up investigations and introduced more stringent oversight of heavy vehicle operations, crane safety, and fatigue management systems. However, these regulatory measures are often reactive, coming in response to fatalities rather than preventing them in the first place.

SafetyIQ is urging mining companies to take the next step by adopting advanced safety management systems that go beyond compliance to proactively prevent accidents.

As investigations continue into the latest incidents, the mining industry cannot afford to wait. SafetyIQ encourages all stakeholders to review their current safety protocols and consider upgrading to comprehensive safety management software that not only ensures compliance but actively works to prevent accidents.

About SafetyIQ:

SafetyIQ has been at the forefront of safety technology for over a decade, providing innovative solutions that have set industry standards in risk management and incident prevention. SafetyIQ helps companies that operate in high-risk, remote, or solitary work environments to establish a safety net for their people. With our Workforce Safety Management Software, your people are protected; whether they’re feeling fatigued, working alone or driving to and from site.