Worker seriously injured in fall from dump truck

The Mine Safety Investigation Unit has published information relating to an incident where a worker suffered a skull fracture after falling from a dump truck on 1 February at a mine site in the Hunter Valley, NSW.

The incident, which was recorded on CCTV footage, involved an experienced plant operator who was preparing to unload a Volvo A30 articulated dump truck at the Sibelco Salt Ash Sand Plant, north of Newcastle.

The video shows that the plant operator was alone on the right-side front wheel arch and the dump truck and the low loader remained stationary during the incident.

The plant operator appears to have turned to face the rear of the dump truck and walked to the top access step where he reached for the grab handle on his right with his left hand. While twisting to reach the grab handle he has fallen to the ground below the low loader.

The height of the dump truck wheel arch platform to ground level is about 1.8 metres, while on the low loader the height is around 2.7 metres.

Mine Safety reported the right side of the dump truck did not have a handrail for the platform like on the left, although two grab handles had been installed for the right-side access steps.

The operator was treated at the scene and transported to hospital. A Mine Safety inspector responded to the incident and investigations are continuing.

To read the full report and recommendations, click here.

The Mine Safety Investigation Unit is part of the NSW Department of Industry, Resources and Mining.