The NSW Resources Regulator has reinforced the importance of managing stockpile hazards after a dozer operator had to be rescued when the ground beneath the machine gave way at an underground coal mine.
According to the government agency, the incident occurred while the operator was constructing a spiral ramp on a coal stockpile. A bench beneath the dozer’s left-hand track slumped, leaving the machine unable to recover under its own power.
The operator was safely rescued from the dozer, and no further details of any injuries were reported.
Following the incident, the regulator reminded mine operators that working dozers on stockpiles present unique hazards and require workers to be appropriately trained in both machine operation and the behaviour of different coal types, which can influence stockpile stability.
It also urged supervisors and equipment operators to inspect and assess work areas before commencing work, with planning processes including hazard identification, risk assessment, and appropriate control measures.
The recommendations align with the regulator’s technical guidance on stockpile management, which identifies dozers falling into slumps or draw-down holes as one of the most common serious incidents on coal stockpiles.
Operators should identify hazards specific to their own operations and ensure stockpile risks are effectively managed throughout the planning and operation of stockpile facilities.
