Day: October 7, 2014

Fatality #16 for Metal/Nonmetal Mining 2014

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ftl2014m16On July 23, 2014, a 51-year-old contract truck driver with 30 years of experience was killed at a cement operation while delivering a load of fly ash. The victim exited the truck to remove the tarp. A front-end loader backed down a ramp and struck the victim, pinning him against the truck.

Best Practices

  • Task train all persons to stay clear of mobile equipment.
  • Be aware of the location and traffic patterns of mobile equipment in your work area.
  • Before moving mobile equipment, look in the direction of travel and use all mirrors and cameras to ensure no persons are in the intended path.
  • Sound the horn to warn persons of intended movement and give them time to move to a safe location.
  • Operate mobile equipment at reduced speeds in work areas.
  • Ensure that backup alarms and lights on mobile equipment are maintained and operational.
  • Remain in your truck when mobile equipment is being operated nearby.
  • Communicate with mobile equipment operators and ensure they acknowledge your presence.  Stay in the line of sight with mobile equipment operators.  Never assume the equipment operator sees you.
  • Before operating equipment, always ensure other persons are clear and safely positioned.

Click here for: MSHA Preliminary Report (pdf)

Fatality #11 for Coal Mining 2014

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FTL14c11aOn Tuesday, September 16, 2014, a mobile equipment operator, with 10 years of mining experience, was killed while operating a mobile diesel can–setter.  He was stock piling pallets to prepare for the extraction of a longwall when he was crushed in the articulation area of the can-setter.
Best Practices

  • Do not position yourself in pinch-point areas while a piece of equipment is running.  Ensure that equipment operators remain in the confines of the equipment cab while the machine is running.
  • Never work or travel in the articulation area of equipment without engaging the steering frame lock or without using another effective means of preventing motion if the lock cannot be used.
  • Always preform thorough pre-operational examinations on mobile equipment to identify any defects that may affect the safe operation of equipment before it is placed into service.
  • Ensure that equipment modifications are either original equipment manufacturer (OEM) replacement parts or at least meet OEM specifications.
  • Ensure that equipment controls are maintained and function as designed.
  • Do not depend on hydraulic systems to hold mobile equipment stationary during repairs or maintenance.

Click here for: MSHA Preliminary Report (pdf)

Fatality #10 for Coal Mining 2014

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c14aOn Monday, September 15, 2014, a 53-year old bulldozer operator, with 28 years of experience, sustained fatal injuries when the bulldozer he was operating went over the edge of an approximately 50-foot highwall. The victim was preparing a bench for drilling when the accident occurred.
Best Practices

  • Be familiar with the work environment. Before beginning work, walk around and check the area. Plan the safest way to move the material and maneuver the equipment.
  • Train all employees adequately on the equipment they operate, safe work   procedures, hazard recognition, and hazard avoidance.
  • Be attentive to changes in ground conditions and visibility. Watch for surface cracks and loose material.
  • Keep the dozer blade between you and the edge when operating close to drop offs.  Dump loads short of the highwall edge and push one load into another to maintain a safe distance from the edge.
  • Maintain all equipment window glass clean and in good repair.
  • Maintain a safe distance from the edge of the highwall.  Use a spotter or other technology to assist equipment operators when working near highwalls.
  • Perform additional checks during the work shift to ensure ground conditions have not changed when the edge of a slope cannot be seen from the operator’s position
  • Ensure that personnel operating mobile equipment always wear a seat belt.
  • Monitor work activities to assure safe work procedures are followed.

Click here for: MSHA Preliminary Report (pdf)