On September 8, 2016, a 58-year old Haul Truck Operator with 23 years of experience was killed at a granite mine. The victim was operating a Caterpillar 773E haul truck and was returning to the pit to be loaded with shot rock. The truck veered from the right side of the haul road to the left and traveled over the berm at the top of the highwall. The truck landed upside down approximately 150 feet below. The victim was found outside the haul truck.
Best Practices
- Always wear a seat belt when operating a haul truck or mobile equipment.
- Conduct thorough, in depth task training to cover potential hazards.
- Monitor employees regularly to ensure seat belts are worn when operating mobile equipment.
- Emphasize that improperly worn seat belts can NOT provide the proper restraint to necessary to protect equipment operators in hazardous situations.
- Conduct pre-operational checks to identify defects that may affect the safe operation of equipment before being placed into service.
- Observe all speed limits, traffic rules, and ensure that grades on haulage roads are appropriate for haulage equipment being used. Maintain control and stay alert when operating mobile equipment.
- Provide and maintain adequate berms and other barriers of mid-axle height.
- Perform safety inspections that include braking systems and seat belts before operating equipment; promptly remove equipment from service if defects affecting safety are found.
Click here for: MSHA Preliminary Report (pdf), MSHA Investigation Report (pdf), Overview (pdf).