Powered Haulage

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 #11 for Metal/Nonmetal Mining 2009

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On June 11, 2009, a 57-year old mechanic with 31 years of experience was fatally injured at an underground lead/zinc mine while checking for a hydraulic leak on a loader. The victim leaned into the ejector plate relief port in the back of the loader bucket. The ejector plate of the bucket was retracted, crushing him against the back of the bucket.

Best Practices
  • Train persons to recognize work place hazards.
  • Establish safe work procedures before a task is performed.
  • Securely block equipment and components against hazardous motion at all times while performing maintenance work.
  • If equipment and components are to be moved, always verify persons are aware and in a safe location prior to movement.
  • Consult and follow the manufacturer's recommended safe work procedures for the maintenance task.

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

Fatality #10 for Metal/Nonmetal Mining 2009

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On June 6, 2009, a 57-year old surface driller with 27 years of experience was fatally injured at a surface gold mine. The victim was drilling in a pit, exited the drill, and was walking in the drill area when he was struck by a flatbed truck as it backed up. The truck was in the area to collect drill cutting sample bags.

Best Practices
  • 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.
  • Sound the horn to warn persons of movement and wait to give them time to get to a safe location.
  • Operate mobile equipment at reduced speeds in work areas.
  • Do not operate mobile equipment in reverse for extended distances when it is possible to travel forward.
  • Be aware of the location of mobile equipment in your work area before exiting your equipment.
  • Communicate with mobile equipment operators and ensure they acknowledge your presence.
  • Wear high visibility clothing when working around mobile equipment.
  • Train all miners to recognize work place hazards.

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

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)