FQM miner at Kalumbila killed after his vehicle was run over by a large dump truck, Zambia
A tragic accident occurred at the First Quantum Minerals (FQM) mine in Kalumbila in Zambia on Wednesday evening, 1 February 2023, resulting in the death of one individual and serious injury to another. According to Mwebantu, a Zambian news platform, the police confirmed that the incident involved a giant garbage truck running over a Toyota Land Cruiser pickup, with the deceased, Lolian Chona, aged 47, as a passenger.
Police in North Western and FQM have both confirmed that the fatal accident happened at Kalumbila open pit mine when the truck ran over a Toyota Land Cruiser where the deceased, was a passenger.
According to North Western province commanding officer Dennis Moola, the dump truck hit a stationary Toyota Land Cruiser, crushing it to the ground. He said Chona sustained fatal injuries and died on the spot while Davis Muyata, aged 35 had a bruised face and right arm among other injuries before being rushed to Marybergy Clinic.
The importance of safety in mines cannot be overstated and it is crucial to take all necessary precautions to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. This includes ensuring proper visibility for vehicles operating in the mine and conducting thorough investigations to determine the root cause of the accident.
In order to avoid such devastating accidents on mines, there are various safety measures that are supposed to be in place. These measures are designed to minimise the risk of harm to workers and ensure a safe working environment.
- Proper vehicle maintenance and inspection to ensure that all vehicles on the mine are operating at optimal conditions and are equipped with necessary safety features.
- The implementation of strict traffic management plans, which outline the designated routes and speed limits for vehicles, as well as the proper procedures for entering and exiting the mine.
- Regular safety audits and risk assessments to identify potential hazards and take corrective actions to address them.
- Thorough investigation to determine the root cause and take appropriate steps to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
- Improving vehicle visibility on mines is crucial for preventing accidents and ensuring the safety of all workers.
Here are some steps that can be taken to make all vehicles more visible, especially as seen from massive mining vehicles that are very heavy and unnaturally high:
- Install high-visibility markings: This will help to make the vehicle more noticeable from a distance and reduce the risk of collisions.
- Use warning lights: Installing flashing warning lights, such as strobe lights, on the roof of the vehicle can help to make the vehicle more visible and alert other workers of its presence.
- Implement colour coding: Different types of vehicles can be color-coded to help distinguish between them and make them more noticeable.
- Enhance driver training: Drivers should be trained on the importance of visibility and the proper use of warning lights and signals.
- Conduct regular safety audits: Regular safety audits should be conducted to identify areas of concern and take corrective action to address them.
In conclusion, the importance of safety on mines cannot be overemphasised and it is essential to take all necessary measures to prevent accidents and ensure the well-being of workers.