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Materials handler operators identified at risk

Investigations by the Qld Department of Natural Resources and Mines (DNRM) into serious incidents involving materials handlers have identified a common causal factor: operators typically undertake their training on smaller solid-wheeled forklift trucks.

Generally these types of truck are designed to operate on sealed working surfaces at trucking depots, not the earthen surfaces found in the field. Materials handlers used in the field are physically larger, have greater lifting capabilities and different operator control systems and are capable of being fitted with variety of frontend attachments.

Some key issues identified by the investigation include:

  • Operators lack awareness of surrounding hazards.
  • Risk assessments are not being conducted by the people involved in lifting or materials handler operations before they undertake work.
  • Materials handler operators are not familiar with all dashboard control functions in the cabin.
  • No competency evaluations of the operators are carried out or recorded.
  • Supervision of field operators is poor.
  • Standard operating procedures (SOPs) are inappropriate or non-specific for specific materials handler operations e.g. lifting with jib cranes (suspended loads) or standard fork tines.
  • Work specifications for the operators are not clearly documented.
  • Management are not aware of different licensing requirements that apply under WH&S Regulation.

DNRM recommends mine safety officers to:

  • Keep a model-specific operator manual in the operator’s cabin at all times.
  • Implement a model-specific familiarisation training package for materials handler operators.
  • Ensure anyone operating materials handlers should be assessed as competent in all operations of the materials handler (lifting, loading, grading, suspended work platform or lift boxes) prior to undertaking work.
  • Ensure people hold the relevant competencies for the task being undertaken e.g. lifting (possibly a crane operators ticket), grading, slinging (dogger ticket) loads.
  • Involve two suitably ticketed people in all lifting/slinging operations.
  • Develop SOPs for all key tasks of the materials handler e.g. lifting (slung and unlsung loads) grading maintenance (cleaning) and of their materials handler.
  • Include a clear statement in SOPs requiring the operator to remain at the controls at all times while the machine is operating.
  • Provide nominated cleaning stations on the lease with cleaning equipment type and use clearly specified.
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