Deteriorating road conditions are once again on the NSW Resources Regulator’s agenda following a light vehicle rollover on a mine site access road, weeks after the regulator highlighted the importance of haul road compliance in the wake of a collision incident.
The latest event involved a single-occupancy light vehicle that lost traction on a wet road while approaching an intersection. The vehicle travelled up the left-hand side embankment and rolled onto its roof, but the operator was uninjured.
According to the regulator, the road was wet at the time and poorly maintained. It had recently been sheeted but lacked gravel coverage, leaving a claylike base material.
Following discussions with light vehicle operators at the site, a resources regulator inspector also identified confusion around the use of four-wheel-drive systems, traction control and ABS braking in deteriorating road conditions.
The regulator said road design and maintenance remain a critical component of roads or other vehicle operating areas (ROVOA) principal hazard management plans.
Mine operators have been advised to ensure roads are designed and maintained to suit traffic volumes and vehicle types, with adequate visibility, gradients and surface conditions.
The regulator also called for routine inspections and audits to verify roads continue to meet design standards, particularly during wet weather and changing site conditions.
In addition to road maintenance, the regulator recommended mines review worker competency and training programs, including instruction around electronic four-wheel-drive engagement, ABS braking systems, traction control and defect reporting.
The incident follows a safety alert tied to a haul road collision, where operators were urged to improve road compliance and maintenance standards across vehicle operating areas.
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