On February 26, 2016, a truck driver delivering multiple sections of polyurethane pipe was struck by a section of pipe during the unloading process. A forklift removed two sections of pipe from the passenger side of the truck, and then left the area with the two sections. While the forklift was away, a single, unsecured section of pipe rolled off on the driver’s side of the truck and struck the victim. Each section of pipe was approximately 50’ long and weighed approximately 1,750 pounds. Miners began first aid but the driver was unresponsive. He was transported to the local hospital and later died.
Best Practices
- Analyze all tasks, identify possible hazards prior and eliminate the risks prior to beginning work.
- Before beginning work, establish safe work procedures, train and discuss with all persons performing the task.
- Examine work areas during the shift for hazards that may be created as a result of the work being performed.
- Evaluate the stability of the material before unfastening a load. Pay particular attention to loads that may have shifted or become unstable during transport.
- Install secondary supports (side stakes) of adequate height and strength to prevent material from falling when the load is unfastened; or prior to unfastening the material, secure the item being unloaded to the machine used in the unloading process.
- Stand clear of items of massive weights having the potential of becoming off-balanced while being loaded or unloaded.
- Implement measures to ensure persons are properly positioned and protected from hazards while performing a task. Ground personnel should be highly visible. Unauthorized persons should be kept clear of the area.
Click here for: MSHA Preliminary Report (pdf), MSHA Investigation Report (pdf), Overview (pdf).