The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has confirmed fatalities and accidents involving mobile equipment continue to occur at a disproportionate high rate.
The MSHA has issued best practices to help stop powered haulage accidents (Credit - MSHA)
The MSHA says this equipment includes shuttle cars, scoops, locomotives, front end loaders, haulage equipment, service and pickup trucks.
Best Practices:
- Know where in the workplace others are and communicate with them: use radios, mirrors, cameras, headlights, strobe warning lights, horns, and buggy-whip flags. Stay clear of mobile equipment blind spots.
- Set mobile equipment parking brakes and chock the wheels when vehicles are unattended: Don’t stand, walk or work directly downhill of parked vehicles. Stay clear of moving vehicles.
- Establish safe traffic patterns and rules: post signage, ensure rules are followed, adhere to speed limits and approach intersections with caution.
- Use proximity detection/collision avoidance systems.
- Ensure that seat belts are maintained in good condition and worn at all times.
- Ensure that conveyors are deenergised, locked, tagged and blocked against motion before removing guards or beginning work.
