The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) reported that a miner who fell from a man basket when the weldment securing the basket to the shovel failed on June 15, 2018, died of his injuries on June 27, 2019.
MSHA attributes fatalities to the year in which the injury occurred, so this incident is included in the 2018 tally. This incident brings the total of fatal incidents in 2018 to 28, tying with 2017 for the second-lowest annual fatality count, according to Grant Vaught, Office of Public Affairs, U.S. Department of Labor.
This is the 17th fatality reported in 2018 in metal and nonmetal mining, and the first fatality classified as “hoisting.”
MSHA recommends the following best practices to avoid this type of accident:
- Check for damage. Routinely examine metal structures for signs of weakness (corrosion, fatigue cracks, bent/buckling beams, braces or columns, damaged/loose/missing connectors, broken welds, etc.).
- Replace cracked equipment fast. Small cracks in equipment can quickly grow into a complete fracture. Take cracked mechanical components out of service immediately.
- Know the limits. Consult with the manufacturer to determine the service/fatigue life of mechanical systems or parts.