On June 19, 2017, a 32-year-old preshift examiner was fatally injured when he was thrown or jumped from a moving locomotive. Two locomotives (front and rear) were being used to transport three supply cars into the mine. The examiner was riding in the passenger seat of the front locomotive when the operators lost control on a grade and the front locomotive and the first two supply cars derailed.
- Maintain all equipment, including diesel-powered locomotives, in approved and safe operating condition or remove from service.
- Conduct a pre-operational examination of mobile diesel-powered track equipment to be used during a shift. Equipment defects affecting safety shall be reported and corrected before the equipment is used.
- Perform functional tests of the brakes and sanders as part of the pre-operational examination.
- Train all mobile diesel-powered track equipment operators on the braking systems, as well as on changing conditions that can create dampness on the rails reducing traction.
- Operate the haulage equipment at a safe speed consistent with the track’s condition. Sand the tracks when there is high humidity at the mine.
- Engage both the automatic and manual braking systems when the locomotive is stopped for any reason.
- Secure loads to prevent shifting while in motion. Ensure clear communication between operators when multiple locomotives are used for haulage.
Click here for: MSHA Preliminary Report (pdf), Final Report (pdf).