Findings released into bulldozer collision death

Findings released into bulldozer collision death. 

In 2019 a 47-year-old father of two was killed when a bulldozer collided with his utility at a mine in NSW.

A report into the death has now been released to the public, recommending ways to better identify hazards and manage health and safety risks on site.

Investigations by NSW Resource Regulator highlighted that several basic safety practices and principles were not consistently monitored. Maintaining a safe driving distance and a 20-metre safe parking distance between light and heavy vehicles were not met.

Of the seven bulldozers operating at the mine at the time of the incident, none of the vehicles were fitted with any side-view mirror, operational reversing cameras, proximity detection or collision avoidance system.

The report recommended better operating procedures and supervision when operating any vehicles, better training and communication guidelines.

Read the full article on the ABC website.

$75,000 fine after electric shock by powerlines. 

While installing an edge protection system on the roof of a shed, a worker was handed a 6.5-metre steel rail which then came into contact or within close proximity to a nearby uninsulated powerline.

The worker received severe burns to his feet, left hand and was hospitalised for six weeks.

Head of Queensland's Electrical Safety Office, Donna Heelan said, 'While you are planning and before you start work, you must confirm the work will not breach minimum clearance distances from nearby overhead and underground powerlines.'

Heelan stated it should not be assumed that local council approval was sufficient to begin work; the council may not check whether or not the work will comply with the statutory clearance requirements from nearby overhead powerlines.

The roofing company pleaded guilty and fined $75,000 for breaching the Electrical Safety Act 2002 by failing to comply with its duty under section 30 to ensure its business was electrically safe.

To view this story, head to the AIHS website.