RSHQ Issues Safety Advice Following Fatal Collision at Peak Downs Mine
RSHQ Issues Safety Advice Following Fatal Collision at Peak Downs Mine
Resources Safety & Health Queensland (RSHQ) is urging mine sites to review their vehicle safety measures as the investigation continues into a fatal incident at the Peak Downs coal mine in central Queensland.
The incident occurred at approximately 4:38am on Friday, 24 July 2026, when a light vehicle (ute) travelling on the haul circuit collided with a haul truck. The passenger of the ute died at the scene. The driver of the ute was injured and transported to hospital, while the haul truck driver was uninjured.
Peak Downs is operated by BMA, the 50:50 joint venture between BHP and Mitsubishi Development. The deceased worker, Andreas ‘Andrew’ Loizou, was employed by contracting partner Thiess.
BMA Asset President Adam Lancey described the incident as a devastating tragedy felt across BMA, BHP and the wider resources sector. He confirmed the company is providing support to the families and loved ones involved and is working closely with emergency services and RSHQ.
Thiess also extended its deepest sympathies to Andreas’ family, loved ones, friends and colleagues, stating that safety and wellbeing remain its highest priority and that its immediate focus is supporting those impacted.
RSHQ safety advice for mine sites
While the formal investigation continues, RSHQ has issued general recommendations to help prevent similar incidents:
- Principal Hazard Management Plans (PHMPs) for “roads or other vehicle operating areas” must be in place at all Queensland coal mines. These plans must include critical controls, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and other measures to prevent or mitigate the consequences of a material unwanted event involving vehicles.
- Site Senior Executives are urged to review their Safety and Health Management Systems (SHMS) to ensure critical controls are implemented effectively and reduce risk to an acceptable level and as low as reasonably achievable.
- Personnel must be trained and assessed as competent for the tasks they perform.
- Adequate supervision must be provided to ensure safe operations and that the controls contained within the site SHMS remain effective.
Key takeaways for industry
Vehicle interactions on haul roads and mine sites remain a significant principal hazard. Effective control of this risk relies on robust principal hazard management plans, competent operators, clear traffic management rules, and ongoing verification that critical controls are working as intended.
At Paragon WHS, we encourage all mining and contracting organisations to take this opportunity to review their vehicle interaction controls, traffic management plans, training and competency systems, and the practical effectiveness of their Safety and Health Management Systems.
If your organisation needs support reviewing vehicle safety systems, principal hazard management plans, or broader WHS / SHMS compliance, contact the Paragon WHS team for practical guidance.
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