On Tuesday, September 16, 2014, a mobile equipment operator, with 10 years of mining experience, was killed while operating a mobile diesel can–setter. He was stock piling pallets to prepare for the extraction of a longwall when he was crushed in the articulation area of the can-setter.
Best Practices
- Do not position yourself in pinch-point areas while a piece of equipment is running. Ensure that equipment operators remain in the confines of the equipment cab while the machine is running.
- Never work or travel in the articulation area of equipment without engaging the steering frame lock or without using another effective means of preventing motion if the lock cannot be used.
- Always preform thorough pre-operational examinations on mobile equipment to identify any defects that may affect the safe operation of equipment before it is placed into service.
- Ensure that equipment modifications are either original equipment manufacturer (OEM) replacement parts or at least meet OEM specifications.
- Ensure that equipment controls are maintained and function as designed.
- Do not depend on hydraulic systems to hold mobile equipment stationary during repairs or maintenance.
Click here for: MSHA Preliminary Report (pdf)