Summary: The handrail of a dozer was damaged when hit by an excavator bucket. The dozer was cleaning up on the off side of the excavator and moved within the swing radius of the excavator without making positive communications with the excavator operator.
Note: This dozer was a hired machine and was not fitted with the proximity detection systems as fitted to mine-owned machines.
Recommendations to industry: Investigation of this incident should highlight to mine operators that traffic management plans should include:
- Operational risk assessments should be completed on all new plant to ensure the level of risk is not increased.
- Positive communications process should be used at mines for all vehicle interactions.
- Mine operators should review how statutory officials and supervisors monitor for compliance to mine rules and procedures.
