The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) issued the following Serious Accident Alert.
On May 17, 2018, a miner was injured when the excavator he was operating rolled down a 28-ft.-high pile of eroded material.
MSHA recommends the following best practices to avoid this type of accident:
- Conduct adequate examinations using competent persons of banks/slopes for signs of instability and promptly correct hazardous conditions that adversely affect safety and health.
- Ensure that slopes or banks are sloped no steeper than the angle of repose, taken down or supported prior to work or travel occurring in areas.
- Use mining methods that ensure pit, highwall, slope and bank stability and safe working conditions.
- Mobile equipment should travel as far from the edge of slopes as possible.
- Ensure proper procedures for seat belt use in equipment are in place.
- Ensure that all equipment is maintained in a good condition and safe operational practices are in place for the protection of personnel and equipment.
- Ensure training to understand the hazards associated with the work being performed is conducted and followed for all employees.
This alert can be posted on bulletin boards, used in safety talks or given to miners and contractors as a hand out.