Resources Regulator issues caution regarding near-miss incidents

Resources Regulator Issues Caution Regarding Near-Miss Incidents

The NSW Resources Regulator has flagged a rising trend of near-miss incidents linked to equipment overtaking or passing on the wrong side of roads within mining areas. This warning highlights a growing safety concern across the mining industry, where incorrect overtaking manoeuvres continue to put workers at risk.

Every near miss identified by the regulator placed involved workers in serious danger. Sites across the industry are being urged to review current practices before minor incidents escalate into major ones.

What the Regulator Found

“Both the Regulator and mine operators investigated the reported incidents and near misses,” the resources regulator said.

“Investigations suggest these incidents were preventable if site procedures were followed, or if a thorough job hazard analysis (JHA) was completed and identified controls were applied.”

Why This Matters for the Mining Industry

Preventable near-miss incidents point to gaps in adherence to established safety procedures. When a JHA isn't completed correctly, or when findings aren't acted upon, hazard controls fail to reach workers who need them most.

For operators across the resources industry, this serves as a timely reminder that robust safety warnings around vehicle interactions must translate into practical, on-site changes. Traffic management around mobile equipment remains one of the highest-risk areas within mining operations, and industry-wide vigilance is essential to reducing incident rates.

Strengthening Near-Miss Reporting Practices

Consistent near-miss reporting gives site operators the visibility needed to spot patterns before they become serious incidents. A well-documented near miss hazard report form supports this process by capturing details that inform corrective action. Maintaining a centralised incident register also helps safety teams track recurring hazards across sites, supporting better decision-making for the wider industry.

Recommendations for Mine Operators

• Reinforce site procedures for equipment overtaking and passing on mine roads.
• Complete a job hazard analysis before undertaking higher-risk mobile equipment tasks.
• Apply identified controls consistently across all shifts and crews.
• Encourage prompt near-miss reporting to build a clearer safety picture across the industry.
• Review past incidents to strengthen future safety outcomes for the entire mining industry.

For further context on similar regulator warnings, see the NSW Resources Regulator's safety alert following hot work burn injuries and the regulator's broader compliance priorities for the mining industry.

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