News, Safety insights, Surface operations, Underground operations, Work health and safety

RSHQ: Preventing a ‘pattern’ leading to mine fatalities

RSHQ: Preventing a ‘pattern’ leading to mine fatalities

Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) has identified a concerning pattern involving workers in ‘no-go zones’  in recent serious accidents.

A recent incident at a Queensland mine occurred when a tyre fitter and tyre manipulator operator were completing a vertical mount of a five-piece wheel assembly on rear dump truck at a tyre bay.

The tyre fitter was struck by a falling bead seat band and side ring, suffering significant injuries to his foot, arm and head. Initial investigations show the injured worker was in the line of fire where he was not supposed to be.

Of the four fatalities at Queensland mines this year, three involved maintenance work and no-go zones, prompting the RSHQ to investigate and launch a series of recommendations to the industry to reduce the likelihood of future events.

No-go zones:

  • No-go zones or exclusion zones must be established, especially before maintenance tasks have commenced
  • The exclusion zone must be clearly defined and, where possible, physically prevent entry into the exclusion zone
  • Potential lines of fire must be considered when establishing no-go zones
  • Abnormal events, including component failure must be considered and may require a larger exclusion zone
  • RSHQ recommends reviewing no-go zones for all tyre, wheel and rim tasks

Towing procedures:

  • Equipment failure during hauling and loading type operations can occur at any stage. Workers need to be aware of this and stay well clear of items such as cables, ropes, and chains when they are under tension
  • When planning a task involving lifting or towing, the rating and yield load of all components including the connection points must be considered in the design of the lifting or towing system
  • Additionally, the structure supporting the connecting point should also be suitable for the task

RSHQ has also identified an over-reliance on administrative controls in some cases, which sees operators taking a simple step that appears to highlight an issue but does not remove the issue.

“These provide a lower level of protection and are less reliable controls, instead of looking at safer ways to perform a task,” RSHQ said.

“The best way to eliminate a hazard is to not introduce the hazard in the first place.”

Subscribe to Safe to Work to get the safety news that matters to the Australian mining industry.

Send this to a friend