Among the 58 incidents reported to the NSW Resources Regulator in a single week were two involving dozers at open-cut coal mines, highlighting risks around operating procedures and decision-making.
In one incident, a dozer collided with a dragline while working behind the active machine at an operational site. The dozer had been pushing material behind the dragline while positioned outside the designated 5m exclusion zone. However, the operator later reversed the machine into the exclusion zone without establishing positive communication with the dragline operator.
The reversing manoeuvre resulted in the dozer making contact with the rear of the dragline. While no injuries were reported, the dozer sustained damage to its handrail.
The dragline operator was unaware that a collision had occurred and continued operating until informed later. Once the incident was identified, operations were halted, and the scene was preserved for investigation and a review of safety controls.
A second incident involved a dozer operator cutting down a dump using a conventional slot and pillar extraction method. During the task, the operator encountered a soft patch, and the machine became dry and bogged. Instead of calling for assistance, the operator attempted to extricate the dozer.
During this attempt, the machine was inadvertently positioned across the grade, following which the operator then activated the emergency stop and exited the machine.
In response to both incidents, the resources regulator has advised mine operators to review its technical reference guide (TRG) for Surface Roads or Other Vehicle Operating Areas (ROVOA), particularly Layer 3 of the layered defence model relating to operating procedures, and Layer 4, which addresses authority to operate.
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