Independent report into Mindi fatalities released

QR will produce an action plan to address an independent report into the accidental deaths of two rail workers at Mindi, south west of Mackay, late last year.

Jamie Adams, 31 and Gary Watkins, 22, were killed when they were struck by a track machine while working on a rail line at Mindi, about 130 kilometres south west of Mackay, on December 7 last year.

Minister for Transport John Mickel said the investigation had made 22 recommendations to QR on operational procedures and a further seven recommendations for Queensland Transport to enhance its regulatory functions.

Mr Mickel said he had called for QR and Queensland Transport to provide regular progress reports.

"The investigation was held to determine the cause of this tragic accident and to uncover any contributing factors in order to improve rail safety. It was not conducted to apportion blame, but to enhance safety," Mr Mickel said.

Workplace Health and Safety and Coronial inquiries are currently under way.

Today Queensland Transport officers visited the homes of Mr Adams’ and Mr Watkins’ family to deliver a personal message from Mr Mickel and to provide copies of the report.

Mr Mickel said the report had analysed the evidence and conditions surrounding the accident. It had revealed an overall lack of compliance with QR Limited's safety management system and inadequate communication and coordination.

"QR must act on the report’s recommendations immediately to improve workplace safety,” he said.

“Already two interim recommendations, made in January this year, relating to work practices have been implemented and acted upon.

“Any accident which results in loss of life is one accident too many.

“The CEO of QR, Lance Hockridge, said on day one of his appointment that instilling a culture of safety into the organisation was a top priority. This report highlights the urgency of that task.

“This is a tragedy that should never have happened. People’s lives are too important – their protection is the basis of responsible workplace safety. The absence of workplace safety results in tragedies such as this.”

Queensland Transport as the Rail Safety Regulator will now work with QR Limited to ensure recommendations in the report are fully implemented to further improve rail safety in Queensland.

The report made seven recommendations to Queensland Transport to enhance its regulatory functions.

Media contact : John Smith 0409 305 669 or 07 3237 1944

June 18, 2008