On October 9, 2016, a 61 year old Equipment Operator, with 3 years of experience, was fatally injured at a sand surface mine. The victim was attempting to attach a screen plant to a front-end loader by hooking them together with a steel cable when the equipment moved pinning the victim. The victim was later discovered injured and leaning against the loader bucket. The victim died of his injuries the following day.
Best Practices
- Never position yourself between mobile equipment and a stationary object. Always be aware of your location in relation to machine parts that have the ability to move.
- Ensure that line of sight, background noise, or other conditions do not interfere with communication.
- Ensure miners are adequately trained for the task they are performing.
- Use a tow bar with adequate length and proper rating when towing heavy equipment.
- Make yourself more visible by wearing brightly-colored clothing or clothing that is distinguishable from surroundings.
- Operate all machinery in accordance with the manufacturer’s operating guidelines.
Click here for: MSHA Preliminary Report (pdf), The investigation will not be posted.