The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) reported that on April 22, a miner at Broadfoot Pit #2, Buffalo, Neb., was fatally injured when leaving the mine site in his personal pickup truck. The manual swing barrier gate was partially closed. A gate pole entered the truck’s windshield as the pickup truck approached, striking the victim and causing fatal injuries.
This is the ninth fatality reported in 2021, and the fifth classified as “Powered Haulage.”
MSHA recommends the following best practices to avoid this type of accident:
- Ensure that manual swing barrier gates can be secured when opened or closed to prevent unintentional movement.
- Paint or tape swing barrier gates with reflective and distinguished markings to differentiate them from their surroundings. Install additional lighting near barrier gates.
- Conduct thorough travelway examinations to identify and mitigate hazards.
- Establish safe traffic patterns with proper signage.
- Be alert to road conditions and always keep a clear line of sight.
- Maintain proper speed for road conditions.