Dangerous incident
Recommendations to industry: Hazard: velocity/inertia of vehicles.
Risk: harm to people from collision between heavy vehicles and light vehicles.
Recommendations:
This incident highlights the importance of having an effective risk management program in relation to the interaction of light and heavy vehicles at mine sites. It is also a timely reminder to ensure that workers are adequately trained and that the requirements of the roads or other vehicle operating areas principal hazard management plan are followed.
- There should always be positive communications.
- Light vehicles should give way to heavy vehicles.
- Vehicle operators should be reminded of the risks of distractions while driving.
- Consider using proximity detection and collision avoidance systems on light vehicles and heavy vehicles.
- Consider separation of light vehicles and heavy vehicles on haul roads, where possible.
Refer to: Investigation into a fatal collision at Ravensworth open cut mine on 30 November 2013