If you’re in the southeast/south central part of Pennsylvania and want to gather for a couple of hours with safety-minded folks in the mining and construction industry you’re invited to attend one of our quarterly meetings. This month we’re gathering at a local park that was reclaimed from a sand mine. You can find an invite at http://bit.ly/1007roundtable .
There’s no cost, but I ask that you register here so we know you’re coming.
On June 18, 2010, a 29 year-old contract miner with 6 years of experience was fatally injured at an underground silver mine. The victim was scaling loose ground in a stope when he was struck by falling material approximately 3½ feet long by 2½ feet wide by 2 feet thick.
Click here for: MSHA Preliminary Report (pdf), MSHA Investigation Report (pdf), Overview (powerpoint), Overview (pdf), Spanish Fatalgram (pdf)
On Wednesday, June 16, 2010, a 42 year old Section Foreman with 17 years of mining experience was fatally injured. While he was installing rib support, a section of rib 12 feet wide x 15 feet 6 inches high x 9 feet thick fell, knocking over a roof jack that struck him.
Click here for: MSHA Preliminary Report (pdf), MSHA Investigation Report (pdf), Spanish Fatalgram (pdf)
On Tuesday, June 8, 2010, a 38-year old service truck operator with seven years of mining experience, was fatally injured while in the process of refueling a diesel track-mounted highwall drill. The operator was apparently placing the fuel nozzle into the diesel fuel tank when an ignition/explosion erupted into a fire, engulfing him in flames.
Click here for: Spanish Fatalgram (pdf), MSHA Investigation Report (pdf)
On June 12, 2010, a 46-year-old contractor welder was fatally injured at a crushed stone operation. He was preparing to weld on an overhead ventilation duct. The victim was using a ladder to access the duct when he fell over a handrail approximately 45 feet to the ground.
On May 28, 2010, a 59-year-old supervisor with 20 years of experience was fatally injured at an underground gold mine. The victim and another miner entered a blast area when a misfire detonated without warning. The other miner was injured and hospitalized.
Click here for: MSHA Investigation Report (pdf), Overview (powerpoint), Overview (pdf), Spanish Fatalgram (pdf)
Because the Caterpillar operator manuals and other literature say that you must replace seat belts after three years, you may have to replace perfectly good seat belts. MSHA can enforce such requirements from manufacturers.
We can debate that for a long time, but let’s start back a step. Are you replacing seat belts when they become damaged or worn? While CAT’s policy may have created this firestorm (which is before the courts somewhere I’m told) it should at least lead us to take a good look and start by replacing seat belts that should be replaced. For that CAT has a very nice little tool. It’s a toolbox talk that provides a checklist that reminds us that it’s more than the webbing that should be examined. You can download the pdf file below. Why not give a copy to each of your operators (CAT equipment or not) and be sure that these lifesaving devices will function when called upon. I’ve also included an online checklist from an Australian aftermarket supplier.
If you are going to replace that seat belt and want to do it with something other than one from the manufacturer, be sure to meet the requirements of 30 CFR 56/57.14130(h) and 56/57.14131(c). They should have a tag on them showing adherence to the latest versions of SAE J386 or SAE J1194 standards. Check out the MSHA links below.
Resources: CAT Seat Belt Toolbox Talk, Seat Belt Safety Checklist, 30 CFR 56/57.14130, 56/57.14131, MSHA 2003 Final Rule seat belt update
On May 26, 2010, a 28 year-old contract miner with 10 weeks of mining experience was fatally injured at an underground uranium mine. The victim was scaling a rib when he was struck by falling material approximately 11 feet high, 15 feet wide and 4 inches to 30 inches thick.
Click here for: MSHA Investigation Report (pdf), Overview (powerpoint), Overview (pdf), Spanish Fatalgram (pdf)
On May 24, 2010, a 61-year-old maintenance foreman with 32 years of experience was fatally injured at a crushed stone operation. The victim entered a vertical roller mill without locking out the electrical power switch. The mill was started with the victim in the mill.
Click here for: MSHA Investigation Report (pdf), Overview (powerpoint), Overview (pdf), Spanish Fatalgram (pdf)
Mine safety professionals are meeting this week in Virginia Beach for the annual Joseph A. Holmes Safety Association National Meeting and Training Seminar. After greetings from secretary Patrick Hurley, president Judy Tate, and others presentations were made by Dave Weaver on the MSHA Rules to Live By initiative and by Mary Sue Taylor on the new materials to soon be available on the Rights and Responsibilities of Miners. Check out what’s already on MSHA’s site here. I’ll put a permanent link on the Compliance Tab (above) on my MSHA EZ Compliance list.
Tomorrow there is an impressive slate of topics scheduled.