SHIFT MINER Monday 5th July 90th Edition 2010
The Queensland mining community’s best source of local news
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M A G A Z I N E
CRUSHED Broken pelvis, smashed hand in another shuttle car accident
PEABODY Energy’s North Goonyella mine has been shut down after two workers were severely injured during an underground accident. The decision by the mines inspectorate to suspend operations was made three days after the accident  because of ongoing safety concerns. While the full details of what happened are still under investigation, the incident appears eerily similar to the tragic accident that cost Moranbah North miner Jason Blee his life back in 2007. Mr Blee was crushed to death when he was pinned to the wall by a shuttle car.
In the latest incident, 38-year-old fitter, Stuart Foley, was pinned to the wall by a shuttle car, and is recovering in the Mackay Base hospital with a broken pelvis. The 28-year-old driver, Ryan Matthews, was airlifted to the Royal Brisbane Hospital and needed emergency surgery on his left hand which was crushed during the event. The similarities between the two cases have unions questioning why nothing has changed, given the long list of recommendations that was made following a lengthy coronial inquiry into the death of Mr Blee. CFMEU district president Stephen Smyth, who was heavily involved in the Blee
case, says he’s frustrated and angry. “It’s just completely unacceptable that nine months after the recommendations were handed down there isn’t compliance,� said Mr Smyth. “The coroner has done her job, the department has done its job but the government needs to step in and change the law to make it mandatory for companies to comply with the recommendations.� Mr Smyth has described the mines inspectorate as a “toothless tiger� that can’t force mining companies to act.
Âť continued page 4
Meet the first round r’s of Shift Mine le most eligib bachelors & s! bachelorette
Page 9
News Gladstone businesses on “death’s doorâ€? Âť page 4 News QR sale still on track Âť page 5 News Trouble strikes from above Âť page 6 Around Town Moranbah’s weekend of madness Âť page 10
MINED BLOWING
Why Moranbah students are being encouraged to stick with maths and science
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The Partners: John Taylor - LL.B Sharon Smith - BEc/LL.B Hons Craig Worsley - LL.B Greg ĂŠ
Carroll
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Money Matters Marian - the region’s “quiet achieverâ€? Âť page 28