Safety Alert
Haul Truck Safety
In 2026, the mining industry experienced one fatal accident and 121 lost-time injuries involving haul trucks.
Recent accidents highlight the risks associated with operating haul trucks. Fatalities and serious injuries occurred when truck operators collided with other equipment, lost control of trucks, fell from trucks, and experienced truck fires. To safely operate haul trucks, consider incorporating the following best practices into your training program.
Best Practices
- Maintain control while operating haul trucks. Never exceed a vehicle’s design capabilities, operating ranges, load limits, and safety features.
- Ensure berms and guardrails are at least mid-axle height of the largest mobile equipment using the roadway. At dump points, inspect the dump edge for cracking or sloughing before backing in.
- Always wear seatbelts when operating mobile equipment. Never attempt to exit or jump from an out-of-control vehicle.
- Install and maintain proximity detection and collision warning systems on haul trucks.
- Provide and maintain safe access to all workplaces and establish safe work procedures.
- Conduct thorough examinations and correct any defects before operating haul trucks.
- Install and maintain early fire detection and alarm systems on all haulage equipment that provide an audible and visible fire warning for miners to safely evacuate the equipment.
- Remove combustible accumulations from engine compartments and inspect fuel and hydraulic lines regularly for leaks or damage.
- Ensure miners are adequately task trained in the safe operation of all mobile equipment.