The New South Wales Resources Regulator has issued a safety alert highlighting the hazards of operator distraction following a near-miss between a light vehicle and front-end loader at an open-cut coal mine in the state.
According to the regulator, while approaching an intersection at about 10km/h, the loader’s operator failed to identify a light-vehicle waiting to turn right at the intersection ahead of it, holding two occupants.
As a result, the light-vehicle’s operator took evasive action – moving forward and left onto the haul road.
“This narrowly avoided the light vehicle being crushed by the loader, which could have resulted in serious injury or fatality to the light vehicle occupants,” the safety alert noted.
“The loader operator was unaware that the light vehicle was in its travel path and failed to stop, continuing through the intersection. It was not until the loader operator was contacted via the two-way that they became aware of the near miss event.”
Following an investigation into the incident, the regulator as made six key recommendations for the consideration of all mine and equipment operators across the state.
The alert emphasises the need for unhindered situational awareness while operating mobile equipment and urges operators to ensure distractions do not interfere with safe operations.
Mine operators are also encouraged to have a structured, risk-assessed approach to address adverse vehicle interactions and should review and consider all relevant resources available, including NSW Resources Regulator guidance material.
Additionally, they are being asked to investigate and, where reasonably, implement light-vehicle separation roadways and collision avoidance technologies.
Sites must also include human and organisational factors in their vehicle interaction risk assessments, while defective equipment should be reported and not operated if the defect prohibits the safe operation of the equipment.
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