The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) reported that on Monday, Jan. 14, a 56-year-old survey crew member with approximately 30 years of mining experience was fatally injured after he was struck by a loaded shuttle car. The victim was measuring the mining height in an entry that was part of the travelway used by the shuttle car to access the section feeder.
This is the second fatality reported in calendar year 2019 in the mining industry and it is classified as Powered Haulage. As of this date in 2018 there were no fatalities in the mining industry.
MSHA recommends the following best practices to avoid this type of accident:
- Before performing work in an active haulage travelway, communicate your position and intended movements to mobile equipment operators and park mobile equipment until work has been completed.
- Never assume mobile equipment operators can see you. Always wear reflective clothing and permissible strobe lights to ensure high visibility when traveling or working where mobile equipment is operating.
- Be aware of blind spots on mobile equipment when traveling in the same areas where mobile equipment operates.
- Place visible warning and barrier devices at all entrances to areas prior to performing work in active travelways of mobile equipment.
- Operate mobile equipment at safe speeds and sound audible warnings when visibility is obstructed, making turns, reversing direction, etc. Ensure sound levels of audible warnings are significantly higher than ambient noise.
- Ensure directional lights are on when equipment is being operated. Maintain all lights provided on mobile equipment in proper working condition at all times.