Summary: A Cat 777 service cart skidded while travelling down the main pit access ramp. It veered to the right across the grade and then rolled over. A watercart operator had previously watered the ramp using the centre spray only. The service cart was travelling on the wet line with full tanks. This portion of the ramp was on the roof of the coal seam. The coal is hard and slippery when wet. There was a bump in the road at about the point where the rollover occurred.
The truck operator stated that the retard was used further up on the ramp and was travelling at about 12 kph. The driver initiated the retard as the vehicle approached the bump in the road and this was when the rear of the service truck slid out to the left.
Recommendations to industry: Principle hazard management plans for roads or other vehicle operating areas should consider factors that may affect operator visibility or ability to control a vehicle:
- Fog, sunlight, storms or dust obstructions that affect lines of sight.
- Vehicle operating areas should have fit-for purpose barriers such as bunding or windrows to prevent uncontrolled vehicles going over embankments.
- Drivers should be reminded to travel at speeds suitable for the conditions.
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