A Number Of Aggregates Operations Have Suffered Fatalities So Far This Year. Here Is A Selection Of Incidents.
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) reported that on Jan. 7, a 49-year-old front-end loader operator with 15 years of mining experience died at Arcosa’s Fayette County, Pa., operation when a large rock fell from the mine roof, crushing the cab of the front-end loader. When the accident occurred, the victim was loading material from a recently blasted shot.
This was the first fatality reported in 2022, and the first classified as “Fall of Roof or Back.”
MSHA recommends the following best practices to avoid this type of accident:
- Scale the back and ribs before performing work in an area.
- Conduct examinations of the back, face, and ribs where miners work and travel.
- Install suitable ground support where conditions warrant.
- Use geologic hazard mapping to identify adverse conditions and be aware of changing ground conditions.
- Train miners to identify workplace hazards and take action to correct them.
Also on Jan. 7, a 35-year-old continuous mining machine (CMM) operator was fatally injured when he was pinned between the remote controlled CMM and the coal rib; and on Jan. 11, a 32-year-old miner died while driving on a mine road when a tree fell from a highwall onto the cab of his pickup truck.
These were the second and third fatalities reported in 2022. Both accidents occurred at coal operations.
MSHA recommends the following best practices to avoid fatalities classified as “Machinery”:
- Operate equipment from a safe location. Stay out of “Red Zone” areas including pinch points, the CMM turning radius, and areas close to the ribs.
- Maintain proximity detection systems (PDS) in the approved operating condition.
- Perform the manufacturer’s recommended static and dynamic tests to assure the PDS is functioning properly. Verify that the shutdown zones are at sufficient distances to stop the CMM before contacting a miner.
- Wear miner wearable components in accordance with PDS manufacturer’s recommendations so warning lights and sounds can be seen and heard.
- Develop and implement procedures for tramming, repositioning, cable handling and moving remote controlled CMMs safely.
- Train miners on the function of PDS.
MSHA recommends the following best practices to avoid fatalities classified as “Falling, Rolling, or Sliding Rock or Material of Any Kind”:
- Examine highwalls frequently and from as many perspectives as possible (bottom, sides, and top/crest). Look for signs of instability such as cracks, sloughing, loose ground, and for fall of material hazards such as large trees and rocks.
- Train all miners to recognize hazardous highwall conditions.
- Conduct additional examinations as conditions warrant, especially during periods of changing weather conditions.
- Clear loose or potentially hazardous material from near the edge of highwalls and slopes, especially when persons will work or travel below.
- Develop and follow a ground control plan that addresses all potential hazards.
On Jan. 14, a 44-year-old contract laborer with 13 years of total experience received fatal injuries when he fell 27 ft. to a concrete surface. At the time of the accident, the contractor was on a belt conveyor in a coal preparation plant and was working to replace a belt conveyor roller.
This was the fourth fatality reported in 2022, and the first classified as “Slip or Fall of Person.”
MSHA recommends the following best practices to avoid this type of accident:
- Establish and follow safety policies and procedures, when working at heights.
- Train miners to use fall protection when a fall hazard exists.
- Ensure fall protection is available and properly maintained.
- Provide identifiable and secure anchor points to attach lanyards and lifelines.
- Provide mobile or stationary platforms – or scaffolding – where there is a risk of falling.
On Feb. 28, a contract miner died when he was crushed between the rib and a single boom face drill. The victim was alongside the drill using the onboard tram lever controls when the accident occurred because the remote control was inoperable.
This was the eighth fatality reported in 2022, and the third classified as “Machinery.”
MSHA recommends the following best practices to avoid this type of accident:
- Mobile equipment shall be maintained in safe operating condition. Immediately remove mobile equipment in unsafe condition from service.
- Always operate mobile equipment from a safe location. Use the remote control or operate from within the operator’s compartment if available.
- Determine the proper working position to avoid pinch points and Red Zone areas.
- Train miners on the safety aspects and safe operating procedures of mobile equipment before use. Review and discuss pinch points and Red Zone locations.
On March 22, a 44-year-old heavy equipment operator drowned at a AMI Silica operation in Jackson County, Wis., after the floating pump station he was standing on capsized. At the time of the accident, the miner was assisting a co-worker in connecting a water discharge line.
This was the 12th fatality reported in 2022, and the first classified as “Drowning.”
MSHA recommends the following best practices to avoid this type of accident:
- Design and use floating platforms in a manner that complies with the manufacturer’s specifications and recommendations.
- Before working on a floating platform: – Implement safe work procedures that take into account potential hazards from rain, ice, freezing temperatures, and other environmental conditions.
– Perform adequate work place examinations, especially on floating platforms that are infrequently used. Check parts that are subject to rust, sun damage, water damage, etc. over long periods of time. - Wear life jackets where there is danger from falling into water.
On June 17, a contract miner died at Jackson Quarry, Jackson County, Ga., when the compactor he was operating overturned, pinning him beneath the cab. As the miner was backing up, the left tire went off the edge of a 4-ft. embankment, causing the compactor to overturn.
This was the 13th fatality reported in 2022, and the fourth classified as “Machinery.”
MSHA recommends the following best practices to avoid this type of accident:
- Wear seat belts at all times when operating equipment.
- Train miners to perform tasks safely, and to recognize potential hazards.
On June 20, a contract driller was working outside of his drill at 3M Little Rock Industrial Mineral Products, Pulaski County, Ark., when he fell from the top of a highwall.
This was the 14th fatality reported in 2022, and the second classified as “Slip or Fall of Person.”
MSHA recommends the following best practices to avoid this type of accident:
- Wear fall protection when there is a danger of falling. Assure fall protection has a suitable fall arrest and a secure anchorage system.
- Train miners to properly use their personal protective equipment and to recognize potential hazards from falls and to safely perform tasks.
- Provide communication systems when assigning miners to work alone.
On June 20, a 50-year-old miner at a Lhoist Group plant in Virginia died when the excavator he was operating underground slid over an elevated loading pad and was engulfed by lime dust.
This was the 15th fatality reported in 2022, and the fifth classified as “Machinery.”
MSHA recommends the following best practices to avoid this type of accident:
- Conduct workplace examinations prior to beginning work and assure hazards are corrected.
- Train miners to identify and report hazards and stay clear of potentially unstable areas.
On July 21, a miner at Giant Cement Co., Dorchester County, S.C., received fatal injuries when his right arm became entangled in an auger (screw) conveyor.
This was the 16th fatality reported in 2022, and the sixth classified as “Machinery.”
MSHA recommends the following best practices to avoid this type of accident:
- Secure all conveyor covers in place during normal operation. Keep tools, clothing, and body parts away from moving conveyors.
- De-energize, lock out, tag out, and block machinery against hazardous motion before performing repairs or maintenance. Never perform work on a moving conveyor.
- Examine work areas and equipment. Report defects to miners and assure defects are corrected and recorded. Test emergency shut-off devices frequently.