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Significant Incident Report: No 1 / 2007

Minerals and Petroleum Regulation Significant Incident Report No 1 / 2007

EXPLORATION SITE FATALITY

INCIDENT

While working at mineral exploration site, a driller's assistance was fatally injured when the vehicle he was driving ran out of control down a slope overturning and pinning him underneath.

The vehicle was carrying drill rods and was to travel down a slope, stop and then reverse into the drill pad area.

Shortly after the vehicle proceeded down the slope the assistant lost control of the vehicle.

COMMENTS

The preliminary enquiries reveal the following:

  • The vehicle was travelling down the slope on unprepared ground
  • A mechanical inspection of the truck involved in the incident established that there were no brakes on the truck when he started his decent down the hill. The brake slack adjusters were completely wound off
  • The deceased person was young and had only worked with the exploration company for 2 weeks prior to the incident. He had only obtained his Heavy Articulated Drivers Licence some 3 weeks prior to starting with the company

RECOMMENDATIONS & PREVENTATIVE ACTION

  • Site inspections prior to the mobilisation of exploration drill rigs and support vehicles onto site must identify all hazards, assess the risks and implement appropriate controls
  • Ensure access tracks/roads are adequate for all vehicles using the site
  • Ensure all vehicles coming onto site are adequately maintained
  • If drilling on slopes ensure drill pads are constructed to a standard which will accommodate the drill rig, related support vehicles and equipment and windrows are provided
  • New operators must undergo a thorough induction and training programme to ensure they can work safely
  • Employers must provide the necessary supervision to ensure employees and contactors can work safely

FURTHER INFORMATION

  • Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 Victoria and Occupational Health and Safety (Plant) Regulations 1995
  • Department of Natural Resources and Environment Code of Practice - Code of Forrest Practices for Timber Production Revision 2 November 1996
  • Minerals Industry Safety Handbook (available from DPI Victoria)
  • Minerals Exploration Safety guidance note (available from the Queensland Department of Natural Resource and Water)
  • Minerals and Petroleum Regulation and Victorian Work Authority Guidance Notes and Significant Incident Reports at, www.dpi.vic.gov.au

Phil Roberts

Director

Minerals and Petroleum Regulation