Findings released into bulldozer collision death

Findings released into bulldozer collision death

Findings released into a bulldozer collision death have highlighted critical gaps in workplace safety practices across the mining sector. In 2019, a 47-year-old father of two was killed when a bulldozer collided with his utility vehicle 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. The findings offer valuable lessons for operators seeking to strengthen their dozer safe operating procedures and prevent similar incidents.

What the Investigation Found

Investigations by the 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.

This is not an isolated case. Similar equipment interaction risks were identified in an investigation report released after a haul truck crashed into an excavator at another NSW mine, underscoring recurring safety gaps in heavy vehicle operations.

Recommendations for Safer Sites

The report recommended better operating procedures and supervision when operating any vehicles, along with improved training and communication guidelines. Key recommendations include:

• Enforcing strict safe parking and driving distances between light and heavy vehicles
• Fitting all heavy machinery with proximity detection and collision avoidance systems
• Improving supervision and communication protocols across work sites
• Strengthening emergency response readiness for site incidents

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 with, or within close proximity to, a nearby live uninsulated powerline.

The worker received severe burns to his feet and 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."

Lessons for Work Near Live Powerlines

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

• Confirming minimum clearance distances before commencing work near live powerlines
• Never relying solely on council approval for electrical safety compliance
• Establishing clear emergency procedures for incidents involving overhead services
• Training workers to identify powerline hazards on both sides of a worksite

The roofing company pleaded guilty and was fined $75,000 for breaching the Electrical Safety Act 2002, having failed to comply with its duty under section 30 to ensure its business operated safely.

To view this story, head to the AIHS website.

Related Safety News

For more workplace safety news and updates on site investigations, explore our related coverage: WorkSafe WA opens probe into miner's death and probe into fatal farm death north of Esperance. Businesses managing their own safety documentation may also benefit from our integration guide for converting SafetyDocs Word documents into SafetyCulture.