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16/10/09Brake blitz underway on Central Queensland mine sites
Central Queensland mines inspectors are on a brake blitz, inspecting all brakes on vehicles used on mines sites to ensure they are properly maintained.
Mines and Energy Minister Stephen Robertson said effective brakes can mean the difference between life, a disability and perhaps death in an accident.
"Since the brake blitz started in late September several on-site mine vehicles have been removed from work until the contractors have properly checked and serviced the brakes," Mr Robertson said.
"The Queensland Mines Inspectorate is concentrating on brakes on heavy rigid and light rigid on-highway trucks being used at mine sites in off-highway conditions.
"Brakes in on-highway vehicles are not designed for the dusty conditions on mine sites and for the more frequent braking as these vehicles go up and down steep gradients, sometimes for 24 hours a day.
"As a result, the brakes wear out faster and need more frequent and more intensive maintenance," he said.
Mr Robertson said inadequate truck brakes have been the direct cause of two fatalities on mine sites and numerous other incidents that have caused serious injuries or been near hits.
"The government is cracking down on faulty and poorly maintained vehicle brakes for the mine conditions in which on-highway vehicles are used.
"We will not tolerate substandard maintenance of vehicles that could result in the death of mineworkers.
"The Mines Inspectorate has issued Safety Alerts to industry to highlight the problems but incident records show that there are still too many incidents caused by brake failure.
"The brake blitz inspection in Central Queensland will draw attention to this problem.
"This blitz will soon be extended to mines in Queensland's northern and southern regions," he said.
Mr Robertson warned industry that any injury to any mine worker is unacceptable, especially when the cause has been previously identified.
"Repeat offenders need to be aware that they may be dealt with under the full powers invested in the Mines Inspectorate," Mr Robertson said.
Media contact: 07 3224 7332
Last Updated 03 November 2009
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