After deteriorating road conditions contributed to a collision between two haul trucks at a New South Wales open-cut coal mine, the state’s safety watchdog is urging mines to review haul road design and maintenance standards.
The incident occurred when an empty haul truck was travelling towards a loading unit along a shallow grade and left-hand bend in wet conditions. As the truck began to lose traction, the operator slowed the vehicle, but the rear of the truck slid to the right and crossed the centreline of the haul road.
The rear corner of the tray then collided with the mirror bracket and side of another truck travelling in the opposite direction.
According to the regulator, a build-up of gravel on the left-hand side of the road had created an off-camber section towards the centreline, pulling the rear of the truck into the opposing lane.
“Substantially reducing or eliminating collisions between mobile plant is a key focus of the resources regulator,” the body said.
Referring to its technical reference guide for roads and vehicle operating areas, the regulator said road design and maintenance are considered critical components of a mine’s transport management plan.
The guide recommends roads be designed and maintained to accommodate traffic volumes and vehicle types, while also providing adequate visibility, suitable gradients and safe surface conditions.
Mine operators are also urged to carry out routine inspections and audits of haul roads to ensure they continue meeting site design standards, particularly during wet weather periods when traction can deteriorate quickly.
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