Operator thrown off tracked dumper (4 August 2021)
An incident in which a worker sustained serious neck injuries from being thrown from a tracked dumper as it was moving down a ramp.
A 43-year-old male was operating a tracked dumper. While he was tracking down a set of ramps the tracked dumper tipped forward throwing him from the operator’s platform. He suffered a neck fracture and serious head laceration.
Images: (above) Tracked dumper involved in the incident. (below) Ramps used at the incident scene
Safety information
Implement ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks associated with working with plant in the workplace.
Tracked dumpers are generally used to transport materials such as soil or rubble to and from locations within a site where access is tight.
Even though these plant items are small, overturning of the dumper or the operator being thrown from the plant can result in serious injury or death. Unlike large plant items where the operator’s cabin offers some form of protection, the operator is not secured with a seatbelt or protected by a roll over protection system. The safe use and operation of tracked dumpers plays an important part in keeping the operator safe.
When considering whether a tracked dumper is suitable to use on a site you must ensure:
- the manufacturer’s instructions clearly set out the safe operating conditions and limitations for the plant; and the site conditions allow for the plant to be used in accordance with those instructions e.g. ground stability, maximum slope (transverse and longitudinal)
- all necessary training, information and instruction is provided to and understood by operators prior to use, e.g. direction of travel, maximum capacity (load)
- operators are provided all necessary supervision to confirm the manufacturer’s instructions are followed
- if you are unsure how to safely use the plant, do not use it until you have consulted with the supplier (e.g. hire shop) or manufacturer and have all the necessary information.
More information
- Managing the risks of plant in the workplace [PDF] – Code of practice
- Working with or around mobile plant safety alert – SafeWork NSW