On April 2 a labour hire worker, aged 20, was operating an articulated water cart at the mine.

 

The water cart was used for several tasks at the mine, including the watering of coal stockpiles to prevent spontaneous combustion.

 

At 1.20 pm, the worker received a request to go to pit bottom and use the water cart's jet nozzle to clean a dozer.

 

Before travelling to pit bottom, the worker went to the water fill point and filled the water cart with about 30,000 litres of water.

 

The fully loaded water cart was then driven down the access ramp toward pit bottom to a right-hand bend. 

 

The water cart failed to negotiate the bend and rolled over with the cabin coming to rest on its roof.

 

The worker managed to free himself from the damaged cabin of the water cart and walked up the ramp where he located other workers. 

 

He suffered a large laceration to his lower back. 

 

The worker was transported to the workshop where first aid was rendered before he was transported to hospital for further treatment.

 

"All plant must be fit for purpose and safety critical systems and safety related components must function as designed," the Regulator said in its report.

 

"Mine operators must also ensure that workers are adequately trained and competent in the safe use of mobile plant. All plant should be operated in a safe manner and in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines."