Powered Haulage Incidents A Critical Area Of Safety Emphasis

Yesterday, the Mine Safety and Health Administration reported a recent fatality at a Wyoming surface mine involving a contractor truck driver with more than five years of truck driving experience.  While operating a rock track involved in the removal of top soil, he accidentally drove off a highwall and fell approximately 240 feet.  Last year alone, there were six fatalities in the mining industry related to power haulage.

MSHA issued a reminder of the following best practices for power haulage, which can apply beyond just the mining industry:

• Operate equipment in a manner that is consistent with conditions of roadways, grades, clearance, visibility, traffic, and the type of equipment used.
• Standardize and post traffic rules, signals, and warning signs.
• Provide and maintain adequate berms and other barriers that are at least mid-axle high on the banks of roadways where a drop off exists.
• Train all employees on the equipment they operate, on safe job procedures, hazard recognition, and on hazard avoidance.
• Maintain control of equipment at all times during operation.  Know the truck’s capabilities, operating ranges, load-limits, and safety features.
• Monitor work activities and examine work areas to assure safe work practices are followed.
• Monitor contract employees adequately at all job sites to ensure that safe work procedures are being followed.
• Conduct pre-operational checks to identify and repair any defects that may affect the safe operation of equipment before it is placed into service.