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Incident Overview
An independent worker narrowly avoided being crushed when a three-tonne coin press became unbalanced while it was being moved by forklift at the Royal Australian Mint in Canberra. 7NEWS reported the CCTV footage and regulatory outcome on 23 June 2026.
The incident occurred in May 2019. The worker slid out from underneath the press shortly before it fell to the floor. No physical injury was reported in the available account.
Workplace, Location and Time
The incident occurred in the basement of the Royal Australian Mint in Canberra. The source identified May 2019 as the incident month but did not state the exact day or time. The worker was described as an independent worker or contractor assisting with movement of the press.
Worker and Incident Details
The worker was helping to move the press with a forklift when it appeared to fall towards him. CCTV released during the investigation showed him attempting to hold it before sliding clear. The available reporting does not identify the worker by name.
Injuries or Fatality
The press narrowly missed the worker and fell to the floor. No injury or fatality was reported in the available sources. The incident was treated as a serious near miss involving mobile plant and a pedestrian.
Emergency and Regulator Response
Comcare investigated the incident. The official regulator account said it alleged the Mint failed to provide a safe system of work, a safe work environment and an adequate safe-work method statement for transporting the press. General information for people affected by a workplace injury is available from workers compensation lawyers.
Investigation or Court Update
The Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions filed three charges alleging breaches of the federal Work Health and Safety Act. Comcare later accepted an enforceable undertaking under which the Mint committed about $1.1 million over two years to training, contractor induction, risk management and safety programs. The official account said the prosecution was discontinued in the ACT Magistrates Court; an undertaking is not an admission of guilt.
Sources