Traffic management is a critical risk in Western Australian mining operations. Too frequently, WA mine operators notify WorkSafe Mines Safety of incidents involving light vehicles, heavy haulage equipment and other mobile plant. These incidents include collisions, rollovers and uncontrolled movements. These incidents have the potential to cause deaths and serious injuries.
Despite varying circumstances, there is a recurring theme: the interactions between vehicles, equipment and pedestrians are leading factors in high-potential incidents. These incidents often result from losses of control, limited visibility or mechanical defects. WA mine operators can reduce the frequency of such incidents by developing more effective plans, employing more robust controls and implementing more rigorous maintenance practices.
This special edition highlights relevant incidents, identifies common causes and provides key takeaways. WorkSafe Mines Safety encourages WA mine operators to strengthen their traffic management plans and create safer workplaces.
Incident snapshots
- Integrated tool carrier uncontrolled movement—a loss of service brake pressure on a decline resulted in an integrated tool carrier rolling approximately 4.8m backwards before its operator steered it into a wall. No injuries.
- Light vehicle rear-end collision with a road train—a light vehicle impacted the rear trailer of a slow-moving road train. Significant damage but no injuries.
- Road train rollover—a road train rolled over after its driver made an evasive manoeuvre to avoid another vehicle. No injuries.
- Light vehicle rollover—a light vehicle veered off a haul road, contacted a windrow and rolled onto its side. Its operator underwent precautionary scans.
