September 23, 2013 – Three fatal accidents have occurred within a week at metal and nonmetal mines, according to MSHA. These accidents might have been avoided had there been proper berms, proper risk analysis, and careful planning before work began. On Sept. 9, a 58-year-old miner was killed when the haul truck he was driving traveled through a berm and over a highball. On Sept. 18, a 56-year-old miner was killed when he was engulfed by material in a hopper. On Sept 19, a 32-year-old miner was killed when the truck he was driving flipped over. MSHA recommends the following Best Practices:
- Examine your work area.
- Identify all hazards, including potential hazards.
- Ensure miners are trained and can demonstrate the use of fall protection.
- Be trained to safely operate the equipment.
- Always wear seat belts when operating mobile equipment.
- Be aware of people and activities in the area.
- Maintain control of mobile equipment.
- Never work on top of material in a hopper.