On Monday, January 4, 2016, a 53 year-old belt foreman/fireboss with 34 years of mining experience was fatally injured when he came in contact with a moving underground belt conveyor. The victim was preparing to change out a hold up roller when he was caught by the moving belt and pulled into the roller.
- Never perform work on a moving conveyor belt.
- Ensure that power is off with a visual disconnect before any work is performed, use your own lock and tag.
- Ensure that machinery is blocked against motion before performing maintenance or repairs.
- Always identify safety hazards before beginning any task.
- Stay out of areas along a moving conveyor belt where clearance is restricted.
- Cross moving conveyor belts only where suitable crossing facilities are provided. (e.g. cross-overs or cross-unders).
- Ensure all guards are adequate and securely in place where exposed moving machine parts may be contacted by persons.
Click here for: MSHA Preliminary Report (pdf), Accident Report (pdf).