THE DEPARTMENT of Mines and Energy’s Safety Inspectorate has released an official safety warning for mine vehicles.
The Inspectorate is concerned about drivers falling from older model dump trucks with doors while they are entering or exiting the operator’s cabin.
The authority says dump trucks with access platforms that are not enclosed by guardrails can place drivers at risk of falling two metres or more. The risk of serious harm is greater when the door opens too far and exposes the driver to the risk of a fall.
The Inspectorate recommends that mine operators ensure that they guard the driver from the risk of falling by either fitting a physical ‘stop’ to prevent the cabin door opening fully and extending the guardrail so it meets the edge of the open door, or extending the sides of the work deck so that guardrails can be installed to enclose the platform without affecting the operation of the door.
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