On April 27, 2013, a 58-year old mechanic with 2 years of experience was killed at a surface gypsum operation. The victim was clearing a blockage on a mobile track-mounted crusher when he became entangled in the discharge conveyor.
- Establish policies and procedures for conducting specific tasks on belt conveyors.
- Before beginning any work, ensure that persons are task trained and understand the hazards associated with the work to be performed.
- Do not perform work on a belt conveyor until the power is off, locked, and tagged, and machinery components are blocked against motion.
- Provide emergency stop mechanisms at the control panel(s) and at ground level where maintenance or repair work is performed.
- Provide appropriate controls to protect any person working near a stalled conveyor from unexpected motion.
- Maintain communications with all persons performing the task. Before starting belt conveyors, ensure that all persons are clear.
Click here for: MSHA Preliminary Report (pdf), MSHA Investigation Report (pdf), Overview (powerpoint), Overview (pdf).