Dangerous incident report

Summary: On a shift change, a light vehicle carrying five people was travelling along a haul road towards an intersection near a crib hut. Travelling in the opposite direction was a mine haul truck. The haul truck turned into the crib hut, which was across the path of the vehicle. The light vehicle driver did not identify the haul truck was intending to turn. The light vehicle driver braked and skidded, resulting in a near miss. The haul truck operator also braked, coming to a stop.

Recommendations to industry: Hazard: velocity/inertia of vehicles.
Risk: harm to people from collision between heavy vehicles and light vehicles.
Recommendations:
This incident highlights the importance of having an effective risk management program in relation to the interaction of light and heavy vehicles at mine sites. It is also a timely reminder to ensure that workers are adequately trained and that the requirements of the roads or other vehicle operating areas principal hazard management plan are followed.

• There should always be positive communications.
• Light vehicles should give way to heavy vehicles.
• Vehicle operators should be reminded of the risks of distractions while driving.
• Consider using proximity detection and collision avoidance systems on light vehicles and heavy vehicles.
• Consider separation of light vehicles and heavy vehicles on haul roads, where possible.

Refer to: Investigation into a fatal collision at Ravensworth open cut mine on 30 November 2013