Factors influencing load-haul-dump operator line of sight in underground mining

The inability of load-haul-dump (LHD) equipment operators to see people, objects or hazards around the LHD machine they drive is a causal factor in a number of serious accidents. Line of sight evaluations were conducted on I I different LHD models. Results indicated blind spots were caused by cab posts, and vehicles lights and light brackets. Line of sight impairments were caused by wheel well covers, buckets, fire extinguisher, light posts, radiator covers, booms, radio remote boxes, elevated engine profiles and air intake cylinders. These results were supported by questionnaires completed by 130 LHD operators. The operators indicated the bucket, lights and light brackets, boom and cab impaired line of sight. Line of sight testing and LHD operator feedback indicated line of sight to the right front corner and back right corner were typically worse than line of sight to the front left side of the vehicle. Results of this study have been used to conduct awareness campaigns within the Ontario mining industry and to suggest vehicle design modifications to LHD manufacturers. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.