It follows claims by activist group Frontline Action On Coal that a protestor, among a group who had locked themselves onto equipment and were blocking access to a works depot, was knocked to the ground by a worker’s car.

“The driver’s actions were clearly deliberate,’’ FLAC said.

“The driver used the car as a weapon to break through the human barrier blocking access to the site.’’

FLAC said a woman who was hit by the car received minor injuries and was treated in hospital.

Adani said someone could have been killed or seriously injured when they used illegal attachment devices, known as dragon sleeves, to lock onto equipment.

“We have received unverified claims from activists on their social media accounts that one activist came into contact with a work vehicle and another was attached to a conveyor belt using an illegal dragon sleeve device, when the belt was energised,’’ a Bravus spokesperson said.

“We are working with the Queensland Police Service to investigate the claims and to manage the current protest activity.

“Activists who trespass on our construction site have no idea of the dangers of being around heavy construction equipment.

“Everyone who enters our site undertakes full safety inductions, and complies with safety procedures to ensure their own safety and that of those around them.

“This is why activists who enter our site illegally are putting themselves and our workers in danger. We plead with them for their own safety to stop doing this.

“Everyone has the right to express their opinion, provided they are doing so in a way that is legal, safe and does not put themselves, our employees or community members in harm’s way.

“Today’s actions by this anti-coal activist were not legal or safe for themselves or anyone around them.”