Your Guide to Avoiding Collisions

Likely everyone can think of a near collision with their equipment, that could have caused injuries or even death. Collisions account for about 8 per cent of high-risk mobile equipment injuries in Ontario mining operations. The results of a crash between two vehicles, a vehicle and a person, or a vehicle and an object, can be very serious indeed. The same as you learn defensive driving for the highway, you need to learn ways to avoid collisions when operating equipment underground or on surface.

Safety tips:

• Watch for and obey posted signs for speed, direction of travel, restricted areas and other traffic.
• Watch your speed! Control the speed of your equipment, especially on ramps and near intersections.
• Make sure you know how to communicate with other vehicles. Most sites have procedures for communicating by radio, or by hand or light signals.
• Wear your seat belt.
• Make sure you include windows, lights, horn and alarms as part of your circle check when you start your shift. Clean windows and working signals all help you avoid collisions.
• Conduct your brake tests. At the start of a shift test the service brake, park brake and emergency brake systems according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Follow proper procedures if your vehicle becomes disabled. Turn the wheels toward the wall or away from the traveled area of the roadway, particularly if on a ramp. Use wheel chocks to stop the vehicle from rolling.
• Give way to other vehicles - small vehicles should give the right of way to larger ones, and empty equipment gives way to loaded machines.
• Know your procedures for backing up - some sites require operators to inspect behind their machines before moving, beep the horn or arrange for a spotter to direct them.
• Stay alert to what's around your machine - watch for overhead power-lines or cables and other obstructions as well as other vehicles.

Trouble spots:

Collisions are more likely in certain locations. Be extra careful in these areas:

• On ramps
• Near any blind curves or intersections
• Around buildings, shops, parking areas and refueling stations
• Any place where large and small vehicles mix
• Any place where there may be people on foot
  

Avoiding collisions with people:

When mobile mining equipment and pedestrians clash, the pedestrian always loses. Check with your supervisor to find out when pedestrians will be in your area, and know your communication signals. Know the blind spots around your equipment and check them before you move your machine.

For Inquiries Contact:

MASHA- 690 McKeown Ave.,
North Bay, ON P1B 9P1
ph. (705) 474-7233 x261
f. (705) 472-5800