Author: renewcomer

Funny Break Photo

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Okay, like just about every other PowerPoint presenter, I don't know what we did as trainers before the internet, but since it's here we all use those funny photos you can find everywhere. I was conducting MSHA Refresher training on Friday and got a request for sharing this photo that I use to let us know it's time to take a break, or a stretch as I labeled the slide. It occured to me that this would be another great way to use the blog. So, if you're in one of my classes and had a favorite part of the class OTHER than what I was actually trying to get across, you'll probably find it here eventually. Of course, I'm not going to share them before I get some mileage out of them in class. Though most everyone enjoys these no matter how many times they see them.


Just click on the Category HUMOR and you'll be able to find all the funny stuff eventually. At this posting you'll only find two, but there's more to come.

Mining Fatality Update

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After posting the most recent fatality I had an AHA! moment. If I posted all the fatalities and tag them with some basic labels like type of mine, equipment, etc. I would end up with a database that is easily searchable for not only fatalities, but other important relative information. For example, click on loader in the tag section and it will show you all posts with loader fatalities along with other information posted about loaders. Neat, huh?


So I'm going to continue to post fatalities. In fact, I'm going to go back and add the previous fatalgrams as I get time here. I'll post new ones as soon as I can after the fatalgram is posted. Then I'll go back and add the link to the investigation when that is posted as well. Of course it will all be even better if you add your comments. So go ahead. Comment.

Fatality #9 for Metal/Nonmetal Mining 2009

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On May 2, 2009, a 51-year old front-end loader operator with 8 weeks of experience was fatally injured at a surface clay operation. The victim parked a front-end loader on a loading ramp and was run over by the machine after he exited it.

Best Practices

  • Keep unauthorized persons out of the cabs of mobile equipment.
  • Never leave mobile equipment unattended unless the controls are placed in the park position and the parking brake is set.
  • Lower the bucket to the ground when parking mobile equipment.
  • Chock or turn the wheels when parked on a grade.

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

Fatality #8 for Metal/Nonmetal Mining 2009

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On May 1, 2009, a 59-year old dredge operator with 3 years of experience was fatally injured at a dredging operation. The victim was trying to manually guide the wire cable onto one of two positioning winches on the dredge when he became entangled in it.

Best Practices

  • Conduct a complete pre-operational inspection of equipment that includes checking winches and cables.
  • Install new winch cables to reel in the same direction as the old cable.
  • Inspect winches to confirm proper reeling of the cable.
  • Assign two persons to perform maintenance tasks on dredges.
  • Block equipment against hazardous motion before performing maintenance tasks.
  • Label valve bank levers to indicate direction of movement.
  • Do not wear loose clothing when working near moving machine parts.

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

Fatality #7 for Metal/Nonmetal Mining 2009

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On April 21, 2009, a 51-year old contract laborer with 3 years of experience was fatally injured at a sand and gravel dredging operation. The victim was inside an excavation ditch while an excavator was maneuvering a concrete box into place. The chain used to attach the four leg sling from the box to the excavator broke. The box fell into the hole and struck the victim crushing him.

Best Practices

  • Identify hazards associated with the task to be performed, review those hazards with all personnel involved, and implement measures to ensure persons are properly protected.
  • Communicate lift plans to all persons working in the lift zone to ensure that no one is under a suspended load.
  • Stay clear of a suspended load.
  • Attach taglines to loads that may require steadying or guidance while suspended.
  • Use sling or chain assemblies (rigging) specifically intended for lifting and adequately rated for the loads being lifted.
  • Carefully inspect all rigging prior to each use.

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

Fatality #6 for Metal/Nonmetal Mining 2009

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On April 14, 2009, a 38 – year old contractor carpenter with 8 years of experience was fatally injured at a cement plant under construction. While dismantling a section of scaffolding, the victim lost his balance and fell when one end of the metal pan on which he was standing shifted unexpectedly. As he fell backward, the victim’s safety lanyard slipped off the end of the horizontal scaffold to which he was tied.

Best Practices

  • Train persons to recognize the hazards associated with the type of scaffold being used and how to control or minimize those hazards.
  • Wear fall protection where there is a danger of falling.
  • Where possible anchor fall protection to permanent support structure.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s procedures for assembly and disassembly of scaffold systems.
  • Ensure that scaffolding is properly connected and braced to prevent side sway.
  • Prior to using scaffolding, inspect the structure to ensure that it has not been altered.

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

Fatality #5 for Metal/Nonmetal Mining 2009

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On February 19, 2009, a 61 year-old laborer with 12 years of experience was injured at a sand and gravel operation when he was struck by a crane’s falling boom. The crane was lifting a crusher and the victim was acting as a signalman when the accident occurred. He was hospitalized and died on April 12, 2009, as a result of his injuries.

Best Practices

  • Prior to attempting a lift, know the weight of the load (including the load block and rigging) and make sure it is less than the crane’s lifting capacity for the required reach. Refer to applicable load charts.
  • Perform a thorough pre-operational inspection of the crane and rigging components.
  • Stay clear of a crane’s overhead boom and do not work beneath a suspended load.
  • Always be certain that the object being lifted is completely detached from its supporting structure prior to attempting a lift.
  • Insure that the crane turntable is level prior to lifting.
  • Make sure the load is aligned directly beneath the centerline of the boom to prevent side loading.
  • Confirm that the load will not exceed the allowable capacity of the rigging.
  • Follow the crane manufacturer’s recommendations when making structural repairs and use certified welders.

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

Fatality #4 for Metal/Nonmetal Mining 2009

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On April 7, 2009, a 36 – year old supervisor with 15 years of experience was fatally injured at a sand and gravel dredging operation. The victim was attempting to connect the 4160 volt cable for the dredge to load side terminals in the electrical panel when he came into contact with energized 4160 volt line side terminals.

Best Practices

Before YOU perform electrical work:

  • Be trained and knowledgeable in the task.
  • Be trained on all the electrical test and safety equipment necessary to safely test and ground the circuit being worked on.
  • Use properly rated Personal Protective Equipment including Arc Flash Protection such as a hood, gloves, shirt, and pants.
  • Positively identify the circuit on which work is to be conducted.
  • De-energize power and ensure that the circuit is visibly open.
  • Place YOUR lock and tag on the disconnecting device.
  • Verify the circuit is de-energized by testing for voltage using properly rated test equipment.
  • Ensure all electrical components in the cabinet are de-energized.
  • Ground ALL phase conductors to the equipment grounding medium with grounding equipment that is properly rated.

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

Fatality #3 for Metal/Nonmetal Mining 2009

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On January 31, 2009, a 40 year-old contractor technician with 36 weeks of experience was fatally injured at an alumina milling operation. He was cleaning hydrate that had built up inside a 30-inch pipe in the plant. The victim was using a high pressure water hose when the unrestrained hose end and attachment blew out of the pipe. He was struck by the water.

Best Practices
  • Establish, review, and follow procedures to ensure all hazards are identified and controls are used to protect persons before beginning work.
  • Train persons on hazards and safe work procedures for high pressure water cleaning.
  • Ensure that operators are in a safe position and have control of their equipment at all times.
  • Install barricades or warning signs to prohibit access.
  • Follow equipment manufacturers’ operating instructions.
  • Provide emergency stop/depressurization control.
  • Maintain sight or voice communications between person operating the high pressure nozzle and person operating the controls.
  • Use special protective equipment and clothing.
  • Contractor and mine management should routinely monitor work activities to ensure safe operating procedures are followed and persons are protected from hazards.

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