A haul truck at an open cut coal mine in New South Wales is reportedly undamaged after its operator, a new-to-industry trainee, lost control and skidded into a windrow.
The trainee was driving along a haul road in wet weather conditions when they felt a loss of traction. The trainee attempted to correct the loss of traction but oversteered and crossed the centreline of the road. They then corrected the steering sharply and stopped against a windrow.
The NSW Resources Regulator investigated and has warned mine operators that trainees need to be adequately tested in all conditions before stepping into the cab.
“Wet weather training for new truck operators must be undertaken and the driver deemed competent before driving in wet conditions,” the Regulator said.
“Mine operators should ensure that all truck operators have the requisite skills before they commence operating on site.
“When road surfaces are degraded after rain, they must be remediated as a priority. Workers must operate vehicles at a speed that is appropriate to the prevailing conditions.”
Another haul truck operator elsewhere in the state has been investigated by the Regulator after approaching a left-hand turn at an intersection at speed.
The truck breached a centre bund and crossed onto the opposite side of the road. No other road users were in the immediate vicinity of the truck at the intersection, however a vehicle was 100–150 metres away and the occupants witnessed the incident.
“The incidence of truck operators driving at speed and not to the conditions is all too prevalent at mine sites,” the Regulator said.
“Drivers are reminded that they have a legislative duty to care for their own health and safety and that of others (Section 28 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011).
“One of the duties is to cooperate with any reasonable policy or procedure. Failure to comply with a duty is an offence.
“Engineering controls that minimise the risk of loss of control should be considered, including using speed-limiting devices, speed monitoring and alarms.”
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