What happened?
On Sunday 29 July the operator of an articulated dump truck was working at a quarry with his last load of the day. Moving fully loaded down the access ramp, it appears he lost control of the vehicle. At the bottom of the ramp the vehicle overturned (see photo), partially pinning the operator under the cab. He later succumbed to his injuries.
How did it happen?
The incident is still under investigation.
Recommendations:
Site senior executives must ensure machines are operated with reference to original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specifications.
Site safety and health management systems must include safety requirements as stipulated by the OEM with respect to the use and maintenance of safety critical items.
Site senior executives must ensure that all equipment on site is suitably maintained and serviced in accordance with OEM requirements and site specific hazards. Service and operational manuals for equipment must be available on site.
Site senior executives must ensure all workers are competent to perform tasks on site and are competent on the particular equipment being operated. A record of the training must be maintained to show that workers possess the relevant competencies. For further information on truck rollovers see Safety bulletin no.170 https://www.dnrme.qld.gov.au/business/mining/safety-and-health/alerts-and-bulletins/mines-safety/articulated-truck-rolloversupdate and Safety alert no. 356: https://www.dnrme.qld.gov.au/business/mining/safety-and-health/alerts-andbulletins/mines-safety/vehicle-roll-overs
