Recent severe weather events worldwide had again highlighted the destructive potential and called for a high level of preparedness by mine sites, the Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Mines said in an alert.

“Storm events have shown that some mine buildings, if not secured properly, can be turned over by strong winds, causing severe injuries to anyone inside,” it said.

“For this reason, there must be a system to ensure that temporary and semi-permanent relocatable structures on a mine are adequately designed, sited, constructed and anchored.

“For instance, to prevent movement during a storm, single or multi-modular semi-permanent units such as offices, crib rooms or ablution blocks must be mounted and anchored to pre-established concrete and steel pedestals or other specifically designed anchoring points, in accordance with building standards.”

Consideration should also be given for standalone rather than attached awnings for mobile crib huts.

“Precautions should also be considered for other structures that are vulnerable to the effects of strong wind – tanks, conveyor belts or mobile equipment such as cranes,” DNRM said.

“An adequate emergency response and rescue system must be in place in case a severe weather event causes injury, entrapment or damage to buildings or infrastructure.”