THE DEAPRTMENT of Mines and Energy’s Mines Inspectorate has issued an official warning on mine vehicle safety.
The warning follows an incident wherein a contractor’s employee was fatally injured at an open cut coal mine when he drove his utility into the rear of a large, empty, low loader travelling slowly in the same direction.
The low loader weighs some 200 tonnes and is used to transport heavy equipment such as dozers and excavators. The low loader driver was unaware of the collision and continued on to his destination. The utility cab was crushed beneath a projecting ‘tow hitch’ at the rear of the low loader.
The Inspectorate is concerned over heavy and light vehicle interaction on mine sites.The division reinforces the message to mine workers that accidents can be particularly tragic in their simplicity. They must remain constantly alert.
The authority says that heavy and light vehicle interaction is a Principal Hazard at mines and their segregation should be optimised. It says mine operators should conduct a review of heavy vehicles to identify potential hazards and opportunities to better manage them.
The Inspectorate suggests strobe lights be fitted in mine vehicles for increased visual awareness as well as proximity warning devices that provide an audible alarm when other vehicles are approaching.
Add a comment