A dump truck almost collided with a light vehicle on a mine site after training shortcomings exposed workers to safety risks.
The operator of the light vehicle (LV) obtained approval from the area’s excavator operator before they parked on the pit floor. LV’s operator activated their vehicle’s hazard lights and waited for a loaded dump truck (Truck A) to leave. LV’s operator didn’t expect an unannounced dump truck (Truck B) to pass within five metres of their vehicle. Truck B’s operator had clear visibility of the LV throughout their manoeuvre, but they hadn’t spoken with other parties before they made their move.
This reportable incident’s root cause was poor training. It emerged a work colleague had told Truck B’s operator that “stationary vehicles with hazard lights on don’t require a call-up.” The operator’s inexperience meant they didn’t question this information or verify it with anyone else. The training content didn’t adequately cover vehicle passing and interaction requirements.
Key takeaways
- Review training content and course leaders—Ensure training materials and the people delivering them provide accurate, up-to-date information.
- Communicate vehicle interaction distances—Make sure workers understand and apply safe passing distances and exclusion zones for all vehicle types and sizes.
- Implement virtual safety zones—Consider system-based virtual safety zones for all vehicles to help prevent unsafe interactions.
- Reevaluate traffic management plans—Carry out control reviews following near-miss incidents
