A REPORT into the death of a contractor who was crushed by a dump truck at Glencore’s Ravensworth open cut mine has recommended the industry consider separating heavy and light vehicles on haul roads.
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NSW Trade and Investment has published the results of its investigation into the death of Ingrid Forshaw in November 2013, who was killed when the Landcruiser she was driving collided with a fully-laden dump truck, weighing more than 350 tonnes.
The 38-year-old trainee plant operator, employed by TESA mining, was on her way join colleagues for a meal break.
The investigation found it was possible she either failed to see the truck, or saw it but failed to realise she was required to give way, as she crossed into its path at a T-intersection.
No brake marks were found on the road and a simulation of the accident suggested the Landcruiser would have been in a blind spot to the truck driver.
The report noted there was no direct artificial lighting at the intersection, while the background lighting “had the potential to disorientate or confuse drivers”.
It also found “some aspects of the intersection design and signage did not meet Ravensworth mine’s guidelines”.
Other factors raised were the height of the windows in the car, which may have restricted Ms Forshaw’s line of sight, the pooling of water in the area causing glare and the front bumper lights of the truck being heavily obscured by mud.
The report has recommended mining companies consider separating light and heavy vehicles on haul roads entirely, or consider alternatives to the use of light vehicles for the transport of workers.
It also suggested traffic signals, warning lights and hard barriers be installed at intersections.
A spokesman for Glencore said they are still considering the findings.
“We are currently reviewing the Department of Trade and Investment’s report into the tragic death of Ingrid Forshaw at our Ravensworth open cut mine in 2013,” he said.
“It would be inappropriate for us to provide further comment at this time.
“However, the safety of our employees and contractors remains our highest priority.”
The state government is in caretaker mode, with the Minister for Resources and Energy not expected to respond until after the state election.
