The Queensland Mines Inspectorate has launched a formal investigation into the dozer rollover that led to a fatality at the Saraji coal mine on New Year’s Eve.
The incident happened when the dozer was travelling along a bench, according to the Queensland Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy (DNRME).
For a reason yet to be determined, the bulldozer went over the bench’s crest and rolled downwards around 20 metres.
It came to rest on its roof in an area of mud and water of around two metres depth.
The dozer was traversing without having its blade in contact with the ground, in an area where three bulldozers were pushing overburden material.
According to the DNRME, another bulldozer operator at the Central Queensland mine who witnessed the incident called the emergency services team immediately.
CFMEU Mining and Energy Queensland president Stephen Smyth last week expressed concern that safety incidents on BHP mines were not leading to an adequate review of operating procedures.
The incident was preceded by three other vehicle rollovers in 2018.
The CFMEU requested that BHP provide further information on three areas of concern: its site emergency response capability, access and egress into work areas and review of dozer operation affecting all seven mines operated under BMA.
Updated: January 11