On December 28, 2015, a 42-year old miner with 3 years of experience was killed at a surface gold mine. The operator of a loaded haul truck was attempting to have his truck climb a snow covered access road when his truck slid backwards striking the cab of the victim’s loaded haul truck, which was also recovering from sliding backwards down the same access road. Several minutes later, a third loaded haul truck also slid down backwards while attempting to climb the access road, colliding with the other wrecked haul trucks.
Best Practices
- Maintain control of equipment at all times, making allowances for prevailing conditions (low visibility, inclement weather, etc).
- Haulage roads should be examined for hazardous conditions prior to permitting equipment access and especially when conditions change due to snow, ice, or water. Communicate hazardous conditions to other persons using the haulage road.
- Keep roadways clear and safe for travel. Remove snow and ice which may cause loss of traction for equipment along roadways.
- Train all employees on proper work procedures, hazard recognition and avoidance.
- Observe all speed limits, traffic rules, and ensure that grades on haulage roads are appropriate for haulage equipment being used.
- Maintain appropriate distance between vehicles to allow for corrective action.
- On snow covered steep grades, consider the use of chains for better traction while stopping or climbing.
Click here for: MSHA Preliminary Report (pdf), MSHA Investigation Report (pdf), Overview (pdf).