A heavy vehicle crushed a resources worker to death after a rapid descent in the Whitsunday region.
Authorities recently released conclusive findings from Adam Malone’s tragic workplace fatality at Jacks Quarry south of Collinsville.
Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) revealed the 25-year-old perished after losing control of his articulated dump truck (ADT), struck an embankment, overturned and spilled its load about 4:40pm on 29 July 2018.
“Mr Malone was partially ejected from the cab and became pinned under the overturned ADT. Mr Malone died from injuries he sustained as a result of the accident,” RSHQ’s final report said.
“He was the only worker to use the ADT that day and he had been tasked to transport rock to various locations across the quarry. The route he was required to travel included a steep ramp.”
Queensland Police forensic crash and vehicle inspection units took photos and recorded videos of the accident scene. Investigators reviewed safety and health management system documents, and interviewed colleagues. Experts tested the ADT braking system and reported their findings.
Although two parties were prosecuted and brought to trial at the Industrial Magistrates Court, both defendants were acquitted of all charges.
RSHQ made the following recommendations:
- provide the OEM operators’ manual when operating mobile plant
- always ensure adequate and effective supervision of workers and operations
- keep plant records on use, maintenance, modification, inspection and provide them to plant operators
- ensure plant is serviced and maintained within specified conditions and performance limits. Plant that cannot be maintained to above standard must be removed from service
- ensure plant has written specifications and instructions that include operating knowledge and competency requirements and are available to, and readily accessible by, workers. Those who do not meet requirements should not be permitted to operate, monitor, service or maintain plant
- incorporate appropriate engineering controls to protect plant operators and others while ensuring seatbelts are fitted in a serviceable condition
- ensure adequate induction and training is provided to ensure plant operators are aware of risks arising from not wearing seatbelts.
