On Friday, March 16, 2018, a 34-year-old mechanic with 16 years of total mining experience was fatally injured while operating a diesel personnel carrier on the mine haulage road. The vehicle hit the right rib and rolled onto its left side. The victim was partially ejected from the mantrip and the canopy of the mantrip came to rest on his chest.
Best Practices:
- Operate all mobile equipment at speeds that are consistent with the type of equipment, roadway conditions, grades, clearances, visibility, and other traffic.
- Consider installing mechanical devices that limit the top speeds of fast-moving equipment.
- Travel at safe speeds so that mobile equipment can be stopped within the limits of visibility.
- Maintain haulage roadways free from bottom irregularities, debris, and wet or muddy conditions that affect the control of the equipment.
- Maintain steering and braking components so that mobile equipment can be controlled at all times.
- Properly maintain brakes, lights, and warning devices on mobile equipment. Perform functional tests of the brakes and other safety devices during the pre-operational examination.
- Install safety devices, including seat belts, and ensure they are properly used and/or worn.
- Conduct task training for each type of personnel carrier or equipment being operated.
Click here for: MSHA Preliminary Report (pdf), Final Report (pdf).