On 12 August 2019, a 47-year-old contractor, Mr Andrew Bray, was fatally injured when a Caterpillar D10T dozer (DZ 813) collided with his light vehicle (LV 778). The incident occurred in an active overburden tip head (Western Tip Head) at the Snapper Mineral Sands Mine located approximately 40 kilometres west of Pooncarie, in southwest New South Wales.
At approximately 4:30 pm, while at the Western Tip Head, the DZ 813 operator made a UHF radio communication requesting that Mr Bray retrieve his water bottle from the crib room. At around 4:45 pm LV 778 arrived at the tip head and, shortly after, contacted DZ 813 via radio communication arranging to meet at a light tower located at the tip head.
It was common practice for heavy and light vehicles to use the lighting towers as park-up areas and meeting points. The DZ 813 operator stopped the dozer, lowered its implements and, after further communication with Mr Bray, waited while he attended to another matter.
Shortly after the DZ 813 operator received further radio communication from Mr Bray stating words to the effect “track back to the light tower”. Before moving off, the DZ 813 operator checked his left, right and rear windows and rear-view mirror at which time he did not see the light vehicle. DZ 813 then reversed straight back approximately 10-15 metres before impacting with LV 778.
Immediately after the impact the DZ 813 operator stopped, moved the dozer forward, lowered its implements, shut down the engine and climbed down to render assistance. The DZ 813 operator observed that LV 778’s cabin had been extensively crumpled and Mr Bray (the sole occupant) was positioned in the driver’s seat. The DZ 813 operator immediately called an emergency using the dozer’s radio and a response was activated. Several co-workers attended the tip head and rendered assistance, but it was apparent that Mr Bray’s injuries were fatal. Emergency services were notified and attended the scene.
Source: NSW Resources Regulator
