Causes of Fatal Accidents Involving Coal Hauling Trucks at a Coal Mining Company in Indonesia

Road hauling accidents involving hauling trucks are the highest contributor to coal mine accidents in Indonesia. More than 20 percent of accidents related to coal mining occur on hauling roads. PT X is an open-pit coal mining company that transports coal for processing using hauling trucks. At this company, coal hauling truck accidents also result in the highest number of fatal incidents. During the 2010–2015 period, 11 fatal accidents were reported, and hauling trucks were involved in 45 percent of the accidents. These fatal accidents resulted in the operators’ deaths and also caused financial losses because of the subsequent needs to repair equipment and to disrupt production processes. The purpose of the present study was to identify the causes of fatal accidents involving coal hauling trucks at PT X during the 2010–2015 period. The research process consisted of five steps, including a (1) literature review, (2) a review of accident investigation reports, (3) field observations, (4) focus group discussions (FGDs) and (5) interviews with top management representatives. The results of the data analysis showed that two main factors cause fatal accidents involving coal hauling trucks: operator fatigue and the use of mobile phones while driving. Operator fatigue contributed to 60 percent of accidents, while the use of mobile phones while driving contributed to 40 percent of accidents. The results of the FGDs indicated that fatigue among the operators of hauling trucks was caused by poor shift management. Meanwhile, the use of mobile phones while driving was related to the monotony of work, the lack of an open radio channel and personal reasons. To reduce fatal accidents involving coal hauling trucks, we suggest to the management of PT X that the work shifts of operators be appropriately managed. A rotating shifts schedule should be implemented, and rest periods should be encouraged during shifts to avoid operator fatigue and decreased operator alertness during day shifts. Finally, we suggest the implementation of further regulations to prohibit the use of mobile phones while driving.