The New South Wales Resources Regulator has investigated the cause of a rolled light vehicle (LV) at one of the state’s underground metals mines, prompting a timely warning to operators.
The light vehicle was travelling on one of the site’s haul roads when the operator, the single occupant at the time, lost control, resulting in the vehicle rolling on its left side.
The road was flat and straight and was watered to the mine’s standard at the time. The state Regulator’s investigation found the vehicle had worn tyres, which contributed to the loss of traction.
According to the Regulator, multiple incidents of this nature have been recently brought to its attention.
“Mine operators should communicate this with workers and reinforce relevant controls,” the Regulator said.
“Tyre condition is crucial to maintaining stability on wet roads. When operators report defects or concerns, thorough inspections should be conducted to ensure vehicles are safe to operate.
“Where vehicles are found not to be safe to operate, they are to be removed from service until repaired. Engineering controls that minimise the risk of loss of control should be considered, including using speed-limiting devices, speed monitoring and alarms.”
The Regulator was also recently called to another incident at a site elsewhere in NSW that saw an electrical fire occur in the operator’s cabin of a loader.
The operator reported seeing flames within the cabin, which he extinguished using fire extinguishers.
The fire brigade arrived at the incident scene and called an ambulance to check on the operator. He was taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation.
The Regulator said mine operators should have procedures in place that clearly outline workers’ responsibilities in the event of mobile plant fires in order to prevent the risk of injury during emergencies.
“Operators should also convey to workers that their health and safety is paramount and in no circumstances should a worker put themselves in danger while attempting to control a fire on mobile plant,” the Regulator said.
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