The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is reporting the third metal/nonmetal mining fatality of the year.
On Friday, March 24, 2017, the victim, working at a New Mexico sand and gravel operation, exited his personal flatbed truck, which was left running in sixth gear, to turn off the genset (diesel generator). Prior to ascending the steps to the diesel generator, it appears the flatbed truck moved forward and pinned him against the genset trailer. The victim was found on Monday, March 27 and pronounced dead at the scene.
As of this date in 2016, there were three fatalities reported in metal and nonmetal mining. This is the first machinery fatality in 2017. There were no machinery fatalities in the same period in 2016.
MSHA recommends the following best practices:
- Place the transmission in park and set the park brake before exiting vehicle.
- Do not depend on hydraulic systems to hold mobile equipment in a stationary position.
- Always chock the wheels when parking vehicles on a grade.
- Never place yourself in front of an unsecured piece of mobile equipment.