Day: December 5, 2014

Fatality #20 for Metal/Nonmetal Mining 2014

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m20aOn October 10, 2014, a 66-year-old contract truck driver with approximately 11 years of experience was killed at a cement operation.  The driver was inside a loading rack closing the hatch on top of a bulk tanker truck.  When the victim raised the rack to access the hatch, he fell between the rack and rounded side of the truck and then fell to the ground.

Best Practices

  • Establish traffic patterns to ensure safe alignment of vehicles with access equipment.
  • Identify and control all hazards associated with the work to be performed and use methods to properly protect persons.
  • Ensure that persons are trained, including task-training, to address the hazards associated with the work being performed.
  • Always use fall protection when working where a fall hazard exists.
  • Always be aware of your surroundings and any hazards that may be present.

Click here for: MSHA Preliminary Report (pdf)

Fatality #19 for Metal/Nonmetal Mining 2014

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m19aOn September 26, 2014, a 55-year-old maintenance mechanic with approximately 2 years of experience was killed on the surface of an underground salt mine.  The victim was performing maintenance on a forklift in a mill building when the forklift moved forward, pinning him against a wooden support pole.

Best Practices

  • Conduct a pre-operational check to identify and correct any defects that may affect the safe operation prior to operating mobile equipment.  Remove the mobile equipment from service if any defective items are not corrected.
  • Establish and discuss safe work procedures before beginning work. Identify and control all hazards associated with the work to be performed and use methods to properly protect persons.
  • Ensure that persons are trained, including task-training, to address the hazards associated with the work being performed.
  • Block and secure equipment against motion before performing maintenance.
  • Follow the equipment manufacturers recommended maintenance procedures when performing repairs to machinery.
  • Ensure that equipment control switches are in the off position and the brake is set before performing maintenance.
  • Always be aware of your surroundings and any hazards that may be present.

Click here for: MSHA Preliminary Report (pdf)