Haul trucks are an essential backbone of mining, but safety is paramount. With up to 25% of global mining fatalities linked to haulage and significant operational losses (Sunhunk, 2025), advanced safety systems are non-negotiable.
Here are the key safety features common on haul trucks:
- Collision Avoidance Systems (CAS): Use sensors, cameras, and radars to detect nearby obstacles or vehicles, providing warnings or automatic braking to prevent accidents(Collision Avoidance Systems: How They Work & Why Fleets Need Them, n.d.).
- Automatic Retarding Control (ARC): Automatically engages the brakes on long, steep grades to maintain a constant, safe downhill speed, preventing runaway vehicles(Understanding Articulated Truck Braking Systems | Cat | Caterpillar, n.d.).
- Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS): Utilizes AI and cameras to detect signs of operator fatigue and distraction, alerting the driver and control room in real-time.
- Structural Protection (ROPS/FOPS): Cabins are engineered with Roll-Over Protective Structures (ROPS) to prevent crush injuries in a rollover and Falling Object Protective Structures (FOPS) to protect the operator during loading(Design Criteria And Guidelines For Falling Object Protective Structures (FOPS), n.d.).
- Braking & Emergency Features: Includes oil-cooled, multi-disc brakes, Emergency Stop buttons for rapid shutdown, and loud Backup Alarms.
- Fire Suppression Systems: Designed to rapidly detect and extinguish fires in high-risk areas like the engine bay, ensuring operator safety and minimizing equipment damage.
- Seat Belts: Feature 3-point belts with built-in reminder systems for consistent use, protecting operators during sudden stops or collisions.
Ready to talk safety? Collision Avoidance, Automatic Retarding, or Driver Monitoring: which tech is truly making the biggest difference in haul truck safety right now? Drop your thoughts below!
Reference:
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Collision Avoidance Systems: How They Work & Why Fleets Need Them. (n.d.). Retrieved October 21, 2025, from https://gomotive.com/blog/collision-avoidance-system-guide/
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Design Criteria And Guidelines For Falling Object Protective Structures (FOPS). (n.d.). Retrieved October 21, 2025, from https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/9143
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Understanding Articulated Truck Braking Systems | Cat | Caterpillar. (n.d.). Retrieved October 21, 2025, from https://www.cat.com/en_US/articles/for-owners/understanding-articulated-truck-braking-systems.html
