A front-end loader and grader recently collided on a mine site during an early morning shift.
The incident occurred when the driver of the front-end loader raised his bucket to protect his vision from the rising sun and continued travelling with limited visibility. The front-end loader subsequently collided with a grader driving in the opposite direction.
The collision resulted in the grader’s cabin being destroyed.
The grader operator suffered a minor laceration to the leg and bruising and was transported to hospital for routine assessment.
The incident is a reminder that even routine tasks can become dangerous when visibility is compromised and procedures aren’t followed.
Following review and re-enactment of the incident, the Resources Regulator made several recommendations including the need for Mine operators to familiarise themselves with the Surface Roads or Other Vehicle Operating Areas (ROVOA) Technical Reference Guide.
Read the Safety Alert (PDF, 378.25 KB) to see all the findings and recommendations .
Watch the Safety Alert video.
