The NSW Resources Regulator has alerted mines to potential safety risks from the operation of tractors during mine site rehabilitation activities after a dangerous tractor rollover incident occurred last week at a NSW Mine.
Summary: A tractor rolled while it was undertaking rehabilitation work at an open cut coal mine. The operator was not injured. The tractor was towing a spreader loaded with gypsum when the operator drove down a slope. The tractor started to skid and as it slid it overturned.
Recommendations to industry: When assessing the risk of vehicles and equipment operating on slopes and grades, the effect of any trailers and attachments used must be considered. When equipment is upgraded or replaced, any training, assessments and appointments must be updated to reflect the equipment being used.
Reference: NSW Resources Regulator Dangerous incident | IncNot0033692
Tractor rollover incidents are common in the Agricultural sector with the Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety (University of Sydney) reporting that tractors accounted for 13 of 68 deaths in the sector during 2017. Quad bikes also contributed to eleven deaths nationwide for the same period.
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