The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) reported that on June 13, a 65-year-old truck driver with four years of experience was fatally injured when his truck traveled over a berm and into an impoundment of water. Divers recovered the victim in 20 ft. of water.
This is the fifth fatality reported in calendar year 2018 in metal and nonmetal mining. As of this date in 2018, there were four fatalities reported in metal and nonmetal mining. This is the second Powered Haulage fatality in 2018. There were two Powered Haulage fatalities during the same period in 2017.
MSHA recommends the following best practices to avoid this type of accident:
- Maintain control and stay alert when operating mobile equipment.
- Conduct adequate pre-operational checks and correct any defects affecting safety in a timely manner prior to operating mobile equipment.
- Maintain equipment braking and steering systems in good repair and adjustment.
- Operate mobile equipment at speeds consistent with the conditions of roadways, tracks, grades, clearance, visibility, curves, and traffic.
- Ensure that berms are adequate for the vehicles present on site, including but not limited to height, material, and built on firm ground.
- Consider storing personal flotation devices in equipment that is being operated near water.
- Ensure that all exits from cabs on mobile equipment, including alternate and emergency exits, are maintained and operable.
- Use seat belts when operating mobile equipment.