WVU Tests High-Tech Training Headsets That Visualize Blind Spots

To keep miners safe, a West Virginia University (WVU) researcher is creating a training program that uses augmented reality headsets to prepare workers to operate around high-risk vehicles. “Powered haulage” vehicles like dump trucks and front-end loaders account for nearly 50% of all mining-related deaths, partly because they offer such limited visibility. In response, WVU mining engineer Deniz Tuncay is…

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Technology Policy

Does MSHA Enforcement Curb The Adoption Of Developments In Mobile Equipment Safety?  By Brian Hendrix Last September, MSHA proposed a new rule on powered haulage safety, the “Safety Program for Surface Mobile Equipment” rule. MSHA has since held a (virtual) public hearing on the proposed rule, received several dozen comments from a range of industry stakeholders and is working on…

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MSHA Update

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…

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Reducing Waste in the Haul Cycle

A Good Dashboard Allows Managers To Manage By Exception, And Also Look Deeper Into The Haul Cycle When Required To Compare Against Site Targets. By Chris van der Loo Optimizing efficiency is an ongoing challenge for any aggregates operator. Identifying, eliminating and controlling waste in the haul cycle is key to staying on schedule and improving the bottom line, but…

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MSHA to Hold Public Hearing on Mobile Equipment Rule

Dec. 17, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Labor will reopen the rulemaking record and hold a virtual public hearing on Jan. 11, 2022, on the Mine Safety and Health Administration’s proposed rule for Safety Program for Surface Mobile Equipment to improve safe usage of mobile, powered-haulage equipment. This proposed rule is one of several actions MSHA has taken to…

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MSHA Reports 23rd Fatality

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) reported that on Aug. 3, a miner at Bridgeport Stone Plant, Wise County, Texas, was run over by a customer tractor-trailer while walking to his normal work area.  This is the 23rd fatality reported in 2021, and the ninth classified as “Powered Haulage.” Year to date, this is the highest number of powered…

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