Dozer rollover puts operational risks back in focus

After a tracked dozer rolled onto its side during haul road construction at an open cut coal mine recently, the New South Wales Resources Regulator is reminding mine operators of the importance of identifying and managing known hazards in dozer operations.

The incident occurred when the operator was reversing and turning to access an adjacent slot approximately 1.6 metres lower than the current level. The left track dropped over the edge, causing the right track to lift and the machine to slowly overturn. The open edge had not been identified prior to the manoeuvre.

The operator was wearing a seatbelt and was not injured.

In response, the regulator is advising operators to ensure that operational risk assessments for dozer use consider all reasonably foreseeable conditions and practices. Controls identified through this process should be implemented and regularly reviewed for effectiveness.

The NSW Resources Regulator also released a safety bulletin in 2019 following a rise in similar incidents involving tracked dozers across various conditions, several of which resulted in rollovers. In each case, operators were exposed to a risk of serious harm.

Drawing attention back to that advisory, the mine safety body is urging operators to continue referring to the recommendations listed to guide future operations.

These guidelines include conducting thorough pre-task inspections of work areas and confirming hazard management measures before beginning operations. This process must be actively monitored by supervisors.

Additional recommendations consist of reviewing training and assessment materials to ensure they reflect the risks and controls in current operations, maintaining blades and rippers as low as possible during uneven surface work, and providing sufficient lighting for night shifts. Supervisors should also carry out regular inspections and interact directly with equipment operators to reinforce safe practices.

Operators working on or around stockpiles should ensure valve locations are clearly marked and refer to MDG28 Safety for stockpiles and reclaim tunnels when reviewing control measures.

Effective planning and supervision remain critical to preventing rollover incidents and protecting workers.