Dangerous incident | SinNot 2018/00499
Summary: Haul trucks were being loaded by a front-end loader. One truck reversed into another truck that was moving forward. No one was reported to be injured.
Recommendations to industry: Mine operators should periodically review and re-train workers on the understanding of positive communication between operators using large equipment.
Dangerous incident | SinNot 2018/00494
Summary: A passing operator saw smoke and flames coming from a large mono pump. Emergency was called and the fire was put out using a dry chemical fire extinguisher. It is suspected a drive shaft bearing failed and initiated the fire.
Recommendations to industry: It is considered reasonably practicable that bearing temperature monitoring is installed on fixed pump installations. Mine operators should also review the life cycle management of all machinery.
Dangerous incident | SinNot 2018/00486
Summary: An operator was travelling outbye along a main travel road in a man transporter. Another machine had broken down on the main road and to the side of the roadway, a blue dropper was installed for the broken-down machine (this colour is not the mine standard for broken down machines). The operator ran into the stationary vehicle and some damage was done to both machines. No one was injured.
Recommendations to industry: Mine operators should review how machines parked in roadways are delineated, and their location should be communicated.
Dangerous incident | SinNot 2018/00484
Summary: A worker’s face and right arm were sprayed with hot radiator fluid while opening a radiator cap on a shearer carrier. The worker was sent to hospital for treatment.
Recommendations to industry: Review procedures for the removal and maintenance of radiator caps.
Review how appointed people are trained in this procedure.
Dangerous incident | SinNot 2018/00478
Summary: While investigating why car park lights were not working, an electrician discovered that copper wiring had been stolen from the site.
Recommendations to industry: Copper theft is cyclic and mine operators should review the site security of areas that have equipment and are often unattended for long periods of time.
Serious injury | SinNot 2018/00477
Summary: While changing picks on a longwall shearer, a fitter was hit with a piece of coal about 20 cm thick that knocked him over. He was later diagnosed as having suffered a spinal fracture.
Recommendations to industry: Review procedures associated with accessing a longwall face and how the hazards associated with these tasks are assessed and controlled.
Dangerous incident | SinNot 2018/00471
Summary: A fully loaded haul truck was driven into the mine on a wet road. The driver was using the brakes more under the conditions. Another truck driver saw flames from the left hand front wheel and alerted the driver. The driver stopped the truck and used a hand-held fire extinguisher to put out the fire.
Recommendations to industry: Road conditions should be assessed for safe use.
Review how machine operators are trained about how to react and also about how they are assessed for changes in road and driving conditions.
Dangerous incident | SinNot 2018/00469
Summary: While using a valve bank on a pipe trailer, hydraulic oil was released and travelled about one metre. The oil sprayed the operator’s hand. The mine enacted its fluid management injury response protocol. The worker was later cleared of any injury.
Recommendations to industry: Mine operators should also review what pre-use checks are done on any machinery or plant before use.
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