The MSU has also urged underground coal mine operators to ensure shunting and all communications between vehicle drivers are controlled in a safe manner.

The low speed collision with high potential occurred between a LHD and personnel transport.

Lack of communication, failure to comply with the underground transport management plan (reversing into cut through) and a high level of machine interaction in a confined area were contributing factors, the MSU said in its latest monthly incident report.

No personnel were injured.

In another incident a light vehicle was being driven down a ramp and was driving on a freshly watered section of the ramp.

As the operator felt the vehicle drift out he accelerated to keep the vehicle in control. The vehicle suddenly gripped and spun in the opposite direction turning over onto the passenger side of the vehicle.

The MSU wanted that the maximum travelling speed of trucks and other vehicles should be established for each site, taking into account the vehicle load, roadway gradient and surface conditions.

Additionally, mines should ensure that road watering procedures include leaving dry areas for increased traction on ramps, it said.