THE Queensland Mines Inspectorate has issued a safety alert following a collision on a mine haul road involving a light and heavy vehicle.
A large water truck was travelling north on a mine haulroad when the water truck operator turned on the right hand indicator and proceeded down the mine access road, unaware that a light vehicle (4WD) was travelling behind the water truck.
Seeing the right hand indicator turn on, the light vehicle driver assumed the water truck operator was signalling him it was okay to pass, according to the Inspectorate. However, as the light vehicle commenced the passing manoeuvre the driver then noticed the water truck turning right.
The light vehicle braked heavily but collided with the right rear tyre of the water truck, causing extensive damage to the light vehicle.
The light vehicle driver suffered only minor injures.
According to the Inspectorate, the incident closely resembled an incident at the Blackwater Mine in May 1997 where a coalmine worker was killed.
“From the initial investigation into this latest incident it appears only the outcome to the light vehicle’s occupants differ,” Mines Inspectorate Manager Safety and Health — Central Region Doug White said.
“Both incidents occurred on a haulroad adjacent to an intersection, where a water truck proceeded to turn as a light vehicle was attempting to overtake.
“On both occasions, positive communication could have prevented the incidents.”
For more information, visit http://www.dme.qld.gov.au/mines/safety_information___bulletins.cfm