The operator was using the excavator to clean out a tailings dam sump at an underground mine in New South Wales.
The excavator was working over the side of the tracks when it tipped.
The cabin door was unobstructed so the operator could escape without harm.
The NSW Resources Regulator said equipment operators had to be aware of their surroundings at all times and be vigilant about the risk of machine rollovers.
When an excavator is worked at full length, the regulator said, it should always be orientated so the boom was over the end of the tracks, not over the side of the tracks.
Supervisors should also note that when planning tasks, any chosen machine must be appropriately sized to carry out the task safely.
