Mineral Mines & Quarries Inspectorate | Alert | No.480 V 1 | 10 July 2026

Integrated tool carrier rollover while using work basket

Summary

• An integrated tool carrier (IT) fitted with a work basket rolled onto its side in an underground mine in North West Queensland, injuring two workers.
• Initial information indicates the incident occurred while underground services installation work was underway.
• An investigation into this incident is ongoing. Initial safety advice is outlined below.

Issue Explained

• Three workers were installing services in an underground development decline using an IT attached with a work basket.
• The IT operator was positioned in the cab, and two workers were in the work basket.
• While moving down the decline, the IT rolled onto its side, injuring the IT operator and one of the workers.
• They were taken to hospital for further assessment and treatment.

Figure 1: The incident scene from the rear looking down the decline

Figure 2: The scene from the front looking up the decline

Learnings

• When using integrated tool carriers, loaders or similar mobile plant fitted with work baskets, SSEs and underground mine managers should:
  • Ensure appropriate processes are in place for the use of ITs, loaders, or similar mobile plant fitted with work baskets considering gradients, floor conditions, and clearances.
  • Establish requirements for the movement of mobile plant fitted with work baskets when workers are in the work basket.
  • Conduct a risk assessment or job safety analysis (JSA) for work on declines or gradients. Consider machine orientation, braking effectiveness, articulation, stability, basket elevation, basket loading and the potential for the machine or tyres to contact the sidewall, services or infrastructure.
  • Ensure workers are trained and competent in the use of the relevant mobile plant with work basket.
  • Ensure operator training and competency assessments include an understanding of mobile plant stability, rollover risks, and operating limitations on gradients.

• Workers should:
  • Ensure that, prior to operations, an inspection is conducted to confirm that mobile plant, work baskets, attachment points, locking mechanisms, braking, steering and hydraulic systems are maintained and operating effectively.
  • Ensure they are competent to operate and to conduct work activities using an IT in the required work conditions.

References and further information

• Mining and Quarrying Safety and Health Act 1999
• Mining and Quarrying Safety and Health Regulation 2017. Part 10 (Plant generally) and Part 2 (Risk management) and Section 93 (Training)
• Safety Alert #54: Eimco lift baskets - know the potential hazards