A coal mining company has become the first to be charged with industrial manslaughter in Queensland, three years after the death of a worker.

Graham Dawson, 60, was killed when a roof at Mastermyne’s Crinum Mine in central Queensland collapsed and crushed him in 2021.

It took four days for Mr Dawson’s body to be recovered from the site west of Rockhampton.

The Office of the Work Health and Safety prosecutor has charged the mine operator with industrial manslaughter, marking the first time since state legislation was introduced in 2020.

As of this year, all states and territories now have the power to prosecute industrial manslaughter.

“Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) investigated the incident and presented a brief of evidence to the Office of the Work Health and Safety Prosecutor,” a RSHQ spokesperson said, confirming the charge in a statement.

The mining company has also been charged with grievous bodily harm over the injury of another worker in the 2021 incident.

The Mining and Energy Union in Queensland said the news would be welcomed by Mr Dawson’s family and colleagues.

“While nothing can make up for the tragic loss of Graham, it is a relief to know that those in charge of operations at Crinum will be held to account,” district president Mitch Hughes said.

“In a period where we are seeing unacceptable rates of fatalities and serious injuries in the Queensland mining industry, workers and their families have been calling out for justice and for consequences when negligence kills or injures workers.”

The mining company is a subsidiary of ASX-listed Metarock.

“MCO is considering its position,” the company said in a statement on the ASX.

“Because this matter is now before the court, it is not appropriate for the company to make further public comments about the incident until the conclusion of the legal proceedings.”

This post was originally published on Michael West.