Open-cut mining presents unique hazards that require vigilant oversight from General Managers (GMs), Open-Cut Examiners (OCEs), and Supervisors. Managing risks across operational intersections, geotechnical stability, environmental management, and blasting operations demands tools that provide clarity, precision, and actionable insights. In this article, we analyse two recent Australian open-cut mining incidents, their root causes, and how HazView™ Hazard Management Software could have played a critical role in preventing or mitigating these risks.

1. Ground Failure Incident at Open-Cut Coal Mine (2020)

• Incident: A significant ground or strata failure occurred at an open-cut coal mine, leading to slope instability and operational disruptions (NSW Resources).
• Cause: Inadequate monitoring of slope stability and failure to implement effective control measures.
• Consequence: No injuries were reported, but the incident resulted in equipment damage and halted production, necessitating a comprehensive review of geotechnical safety practices.

How HazView™ Could Have Helped:

• Regular Inspection Logs: Facilitate consistent geotechnical assessments, ensuring early detection of potential slope instabilities.
• Custom Notifications: Alert supervisors and geotechnical engineers to significant changes in slope conditions when reported by someone doing an inspection, enabling timely interventions.
• Hazard Archive: The ability to see a history of hazards across the map and identify areas of high risk and persistent hazards that need to be addressed.

2. Equipment Collision at Surface Mine (2021)

• Incident: During loading operations, a large excavator swung around and collided with a light vehicle parked in the excavator’s swing radius at an open-cut coal mine (AMSJ).
• Cause: Failure to maintain positive communication and adherence to exclusion zones during equipment operation.
• Consequence: The light vehicle sustained damage; however, no personnel were injured. The incident highlighted the need for improved communication protocols and hazard awareness.

How HazView™ Could Have Helped:

• Interactive Hazard Mapping: Clearly delineate equipment operating zones and exclusion areas, ensuring all personnel are aware of potential dangers.

Key Benefits of HazView™ for GMs, OCEs, and Supervisors

• Interactive Hazard Maps: Gain real-time clarity on operational and environmental risks.
• Proactive Alerts: Receive timely notifications tailored to critical hazard categories.
• Streamlined Reporting: Generate compliance-ready reports efficiently and accurately.
• Centralized Oversight: Monitor and manage hazards across different site zones from a single platform.

Effective hazard management isn’t just about compliance—it’s about creating a culture of safety, accountability, and proactive intervention. With HazView™ Hazard Management Software, General Managers, OCEs, and Supervisors can streamline hazard identification, improve situational awareness for their workers, and ensure ongoing compliance with industry standards.