Series of Workplace Accidents in Queensland Lead to Multiple Injuries

Incident Overview

Tuesday, 20 November 2023 saw a series of four separate workplace accidents across Queensland, resulting in multiple injuries ranging from moderate to serious. Incidents occurred in Proserpine, Gold Coast, Mount Cotton and Carruchan, involving machinery entanglement, falls from height, vehicle strikes and equipment contact.

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) has been notified of all incidents. All injured workers were transported to hospital and are receiving medical care.

Site and Time

Proserpine

• Incident time: approximately 8:00 AM

Gold Coast

• Incident time: approximately 8:00 AM

Mount Cotton (Redland area)

• Incident time: approximately 8:30 AM

Carruchan

• Incident time: approximately 10:30 AM

Persons Involved

Proserpine

• Male worker in his 20s

Gold Coast

• Male worker in his 60s

Mount Cotton

• Male worker in his 50s

Carruchan

• Male worker in his 40s

Plant and Task

Proserpine

• Machinery operation — arm caught in machinery

Gold Coast

• Ladder work — fall from 2 metres height

Mount Cotton

• Vehicle operation — run over by trailer at workplace

Carruchan

• Machinery operation — struck by machinery

Injuries / Fatalities

Fatalities

• None reported.

Injuries

• Proserpine: arm injury from machinery entanglement (stable condition)
• Gold Coast: serious head injury from fall (serious condition)
• Mount Cotton: leg injury from trailer strike (stable condition)
• Carruchan: head injury from machinery contact (serious condition)

Emergency Response

Queensland Ambulance Service attended all four incidents. The Proserpine worker was transported to hospital in stable condition. The Gold Coast worker was transported to Gold Coast University Hospital. The Mount Cotton worker was transported to Princess Alexandra Hospital in stable condition. The Carruchan worker was transported to Tully Hospital in serious condition.

Broader Context

These incidents reflect a range of safety hazards prevalent in Queensland workplaces, including machinery operation, falls from height, and vehicle-related accidents. They underscore the importance of robust safety protocols, proper equipment maintenance, and comprehensive emergency response measures across diverse work settings.

In Summary

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland is investigating all four incidents. Workers, supervisors or witnesses with information about any of these incidents are encouraged to contact WHSQ on 1300 362 128 or submit a report via the online incident-reporting form at www.whsq.qld.gov.au.