An articulating dump truck filled with debris was being driven downhill when the driver lost control. He radioed for help on how to stop the truck. The truck increased speed before veering off into the bank and rolling over. The driver received severe head injuries and later died in hospital.

It was the driver's first day at this worksite and the extent of his experience and qualifications had not been properly assessed. Through his work as a shop/mechanic helper and spare driver, he had some experience driving articulating dump trucks. However, he had little experience driving loaded articulating trucks on steep logging roads, and he did not have an appropriate licence for operating an off-road vehicle.

Safe work practices:

• Provide instruction and training to workers on all equipment they are required to operate.
• Provide written work procedures for emergencies such as a runaway vehicle.
• Ensure that there is adequate supervision at the worksite, especially for new workers.
• Hold crew talks and safety meetings to discuss hazards on the worksite.