What Happened?
- A one-tonne roller overturned on site.
- It is believed that the front wheel drove across a rock causing it to overturn.
- The operator was wearing a seat belt and was not seriously hurt.
Why it Happened?
- It is believed that the front wheel drove across a rock causing it to overturn.
Immediate Learnings / Recommendations?
- The operator’s use of the seat belt was instrumental in preventing serious injury. This incident highlights the importance of effective ground condition assessments, hazard identification and removal, adherence to safe operating speeds, and the consistent use of rollover protection systems (ROPS) and seat belts to reduce the likelihood and consequences of plant overturns.
- Carry out a thorough pre-start inspection of the work area to identify hazards such as rocks, uneven terrain, soft ground, excavations, and other obstructions that could compromise plant stability.
- Ensure rollers and other mobile plant are operated at speeds appropriate to the prevailing ground conditions, terrain, and site environment.
- Confirm that plant operators are adequately trained, competent, and familiar with the machine’s capabilities and limitations, particularly when working on uneven ground, gradients, or in conditions where there is an increased risk of overturning.