Author: renewcomer

MSHA Announces Drop In Fatalities for 2009

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MSHA issued a news release that gave credit in part for a large drop in mining fatalities to enforcement. They gave a nod to miners being safe, but ignored the fact that with the bad econonmy miners just didn't work as many hours last year. Of course the figures aren't out, but it's not too hard to see in the stone industry at least. It's a great accomplishment for everyone to reduce the fatalities as much as we did, but I'll wait to see the fatality rate before I celebrate too much. It's possible that with the reduced hours the rate still did not decline and that's what really matters.

Read the news release here.

Fatality #1 for Coal Mining 2010

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On January 2, 2010, a 57 year old mechanic with 8 years of mining experience was fatally injured at a surface shop of an underground coal mine. He was repairing a 1-ton truck (mantrip) that was raised and supported by jack stands. The victim was positioned under the truck and the truck’s rear wheels were on the floor. A coworker, who was assisting, entered the truck, depressed the clutch pedal, and started the truck. The truck was in gear when it was started. The coworker’s foot then slipped off the clutch pedal of the standard transmission, causing the truck to lurch forward, fall off the jack stands, and strike the victim.

Best Practices

  • Block vehicles against motion in all potential directions of movement prior to any work.
  • Keep standard transmission vehicles in neutral with the park brake engaged when work is performed on the vehicles.
  • The vibration of a running motor may cause blocked or jacked equipment to move or fall off of its blocks or jacks. Position yourself out of the path of travel in the event a failure occurs.
  • Observe blocking and jack stands during loading and ensure they remain solid without any tilting or sliding. The slots at the head of the jack should properly couple with the jack points underneath the vehicle.
  • Metal to metal contact may slide much easier than wood or other materials against metal. This is a good reason to ensure everything remains level and evenly loaded. Also, remove any grease or lubricants from the area that will contact the blocking/jack stand.
  • Jacks and blocks should be positioned on level ground and ensure they are all raised to equal heights.
  • If available, use a pit to perform maintenance work on the underside of mobile equipment.

Click here for: MSHA Investigation Report (pdf), Spanish Fatalgram (doc)


Flu Season

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I was at the doctor this week for my H1N1 flu shot and remembered that I had this link to post for some time. There's lots of information out there on H1N1 and some of it's even good! (ha ha) The bottom line is that reasonable steps to help prevent the spread of any flu is a good investment. For one, I've noticed that the simple procedure of sneezing into one's elbow is catching on. That along with the willingness of people who are sick to stay home, which is a tougher thing to sell, are great first steps to keeping more of us healthy.

Fatality #16 for Metal/Nonmetal Mining 2009

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On September 27, 2009, a 28 year-old truck driver with 2 years of experience was fatally injured at a copper operation. He was operating a 240-ton haul truck that left the haul road and climbed a berm, causing it to overturn and land on the haul road. The victim, who was not wearing a seat belt, fell from the cab of the truck.

Best Practices

  • Always wear a seat belt when operating a haul truck or mobile equipment.
  • Monitor employees regularly to ensure seat belts are worn when operating mobile equipment.
  • Maintain control and stay alert when operating mobile equipment.
  • Conduct pre-operational checks to identify and correct any defects that may affect the safe operation of self-propelled mobile equipment.

Click here for: MSHA Investigation Report(pdf), Overview(powerpoint), Overview(pdf)

MSHA Alert for October Safety

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A serious statistic from MSHA:  Safety Information Recently Posted – Metal/Nonmetal October Fatal Alert

During
the last 10 years Metal and Nonmetal mines have experienced more fatal
accidents in the month of October than in any other month. Work
with MSHA to prevent more fatalities by focusing on working safely. Spread the word at your workplace with the following flyer that they provided.

Click here for the pdf of the October Alert and post it around your workplace.

Fatality #15 for Metal/Nonmetal Mining 2009

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On September 15, 2009, a 59 year-old delivery driver with 14 years of experience was fatally injured at a sand and gravel operation. She parked off mine property and walked on site to deliver a package. The victim walked behind a front-end loader that backed over her.

Best Practices
  • Establish a visitor control policy that includes signs directing visitors to a safe location.
  • Train delivery persons to recognize work place hazards they could be exposed to while at the mine.
  • Always make sure equipment operators see you before entering any area where mobile equipment is operated. If possible, make eye contact with the equipment operator. When moving to a different area, inform
    the equipment operator before leaving the area.
  • Before moving mobile equipment, look in the direction of travel, use all mirrors, cameras, and installed proximity detection devices to ensure no one is in the intended path.
  • Ensure that all persons are clear before moving equipment. Sound your horn to warn unseen persons that you are about to move and wait a few moments to give them time to get to a safe location.
  • Ensure that backup alarms on mobile equipment are maintained and operational.

Click here for: MSHA Investigation Report(pdf), Overview(powerpoint), Overview(pdf)

Fatality #14 for Metal/Nonmetal Mining 2009

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On August 27, 2009, a 54 year-old contract truck driver with 33 years
of experience was fatally injured at a lime operation. The victim,
wearing a fall protection harness and an attached lanyard, was found
partially suspended on the top of a bulk trailer. He had been working
on top of the trailer, closing hatch covers, when the incident
occurred.

Best Practices

  • Pneumatically actuated ports for dry bulk trailers are available to allow remote operation and keep truck drivers on the ground.
  • Prior to beginning work, identify all hazards and use appropriate controls to protect persons.
  • When wearing fall protection, ensure it is properly adjusted to fit the user.
  • When working where hazardous conditions exist, maintain communications or contact with other persons.
  • Keep work surfaces free of dust, water, and tripping hazards.
  • Wear laced shoes with appropriate soles for the work surface.

On May 11, 2010 MSHA’s Fatality Review Committee made a determination that this fatality is not chargeable.

Death by Cell Phone

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The National Safety Council has been in the news several times this Summer about it's support on banning cell phone use by drivers. A new site at www.deathbycellphone.org has some convincing materials including the story of two families who lost members to an accident that involved the other driver using a cell phone. There are also some interesting statistics. In fact each year over one hundred times as many people die in cell phone related accidents than died in Metal Nonmetal mines last year.

Summer is Finally Here

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Well, I don't want to complain. I like the cooler than normal weather we've been having this Summer. That probably makes the heat and humidity we've had for a few days even worse… or at least noticeable. Anyways, these guys know how to cool off… or NOT! This is a slide from this year's training that reminds us to take a safety break, but never a break from safety.