Mines safety alert no. Newsflash | 14 January 2020 | Version 1
Fatality – Tyre Fitting
What happened?
On Sunday 12 January 2020, a 33-year-old contract tyre fitter was fatally injured whilst changing a large wheel assembly (tyre and rim) on a rear axle expanding low loader at an open cut coal mine in Queensland’s Bowen Basin (refer Figure 1 below). The tyre fitter was found trapped underneath a wheel assembly.
Recommendations
Safety newsflash purpose
1. Draw attention to the occurrence of a serious incident in the mining industry.
2. Increase risk awareness.
3. Promote mines to examine and check that their risk management controls associated with tyre wheel and rim changing are as low as reasonably achievable.
4. Site SOPs for fitting, removing, testing, maintaining and repairing tyres and rims should be reviewed against the requirements of Recognised Standard #13 'Tyre, wheel and rim management' at a minimum.
The investigations are ongoing and further information may be published as it becomes available.
The information contained in this publication is based on knowledge and understanding at the time of writing.
Investigations are ongoing and further information may be published as it becomes available. The information in this publication is what is known at the time of writing.
We issue Safety Notices to draw attention to the occurrence of a serious incident, raise awareness of risks, and prompt assessment of your existing controls.
Contact: QldMInesInspectorate@rshq.qld.gov.au
Issued by Resources Safety & Health Queensland
General: This information is a guide only. It is not to be taken as a statement of law and must not be construed to waive or modify any legal obligation.
Placement: Place this announcement on noticeboards and ensure all relevant people in your organisation receive a copy.
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