Qld SSEs urged to check safety procedures after coalmine worker death

Queensland’s coalmine site senior executives (SSEs) are being urged to review their safety procedures after a worker died at Carborough Downs Underground Mine.

Brad Duxbury was fatally injured on Monday, 25 November after coal fell from the mine’s longwall face, according to mine operator Fitzroy Australia Resources and a Queensland Mines Inspectorate (QMI) spokesperson. The fall’s causes are currently unknown and police and QMI investigations are continuing.

Fitzroy Australia Resources CEO Grant Polwarth said, “We are all extremely saddened by this tragic incident and we extend our deepest sympathies to Brad’s family and friends.

“Brad was a long-term Carborough Downs employee and a valued member of the Fitzroy team.

“Fitzroy’s current focus is on supporting Brad’s family, friends and all of the Fitzroy workforce impacted by this event,” Polwarth said.

Fitzroy added, “Mineworkers are being progressively briefed on the incident and the company has made counselling services available to these workers.”

Duxbury’s family has asked that their privacy be respected during this time, according to Fitzroy.

To help prevent similar incidents, a QMI spokesperson is calling for Queensland SSEs to review their safety procedures for when coalmine employees are working on the face-side of the armoured face conveyor or near coal ribs in and around the mine.

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