Coal miner and father-of-five Chris Schloss has been remembered as a beloved family man and respected team member following his tragic death at a mine in central Queensland on Saturday.
Emergency services were called to QCoal’s Byerwen mine, about 1,000 kilometres north of Brisbane in the coal-rich Bowen Basin, early on Saturday after receiving reports that Schloss had been struck by a crane.
The 48-year-old man died at the scene.
In a statement on Monday, QCoal chief executive James Black said the “QCoal family” had suffered a “devastating loss.”
“Chris has been part of the QCoal family for many years and has been instrumental in the development of Byerwen since its launch,” he said.
Our thoughts are with Chris’s wife Amanda, his children and his entire family at this terrible time.
‘The death of such a long-standing, long-serving and much-loved member of the QCoal team has undoubtedly left us in shock. His family is coping with the worst news ever and we are helping them through this tragedy.
We are also providing support to staff on site and across the organization as we cope with this incredible loss.
Chris Schloss died after being hit by a crane at a coal mine on Saturday
‘QCoal is working with government and police investigators on the incident, but our focus is on Chris’ family and his many friends at QCoal and our sites.’
Mr. Schloss is survived by his five children: Magan, Thomas, Kate, Memphys and Zara.
Queensland Health and Safety Resources is investigating the fatality.
“While it is too early to identify the cause of the incident, initial reports indicate that it was a lifting and transport crane,” the security agency said on Saturday.
‘A coal inspector from RSHQ and an investigator from our Serious Incident Investigation Unit are attending the scene.
Our thoughts today are with the worker’s family, friends and colleagues.
‘RSHQ has placed a strong emphasis on safety around pick and carry cranes, particularly over the last 12 months, through industry talks, safety alerts and animation to increase education and understanding.’
QCoal’s Byerwen mine is located near the small town of Glenden in the Bowen Basin. Photo provided
Chris Schloss was remembered as a beloved family man and respected team member.
Mr Schloss was part of QCoal’s “Tell Them Where to Go” campaign against the Queensland government, which is pressuring the company to relocate its workforce from the site’s camp to the town of Glenden, about 45 minutes away.
The company says the move threatens the jobs of up to 800 workers at the Central Queensland mine.
“Chris was an active member of our ongoing campaign to preserve Byerwen Camp and his family asked that his image and words not be removed because they felt very strongly about the issue and want to honour his legacy,” Black said.