In the past 4 months, there have been 4 significant incidents where a wheel assembly has detached from the mobile plant.
In one incident, a wheel came to rest beside an articulated dump truck. In another incident, the wheel and axle assembly detached from a front-end loader and rolled about 110 metres into a crushing plant and stockpile area.
The other 2 incidents occurred in the main declines of underground metalliferous mines, where the wheel assemblies were caught between the vehicle and the mine wall.
Mine operators should ensure plant and equipment are fit-for-purpose and designed for the required tasks as well as ensure workers are trained and competent to undertake tasks.
This safety bulletin (PDF, 1.09 MB) provides advice for the NSW mining industry.
