A 62-year old foreman was fatally injured while dismantling a portable crusher, according to fatality alert issued by The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). The front-end loader was placing a 20-foot long steel tube on the screen conveyor when the operator lowered the bucket and crushed the victim against the conveyor structure.
MSHA has issued best practice guidelines following the incident.
- Front-end loader operators must ensure personnel are not near the machine when in operation.
- Use cranes with appropriate rigging and tag lines to position components.
- When working near equipment, make eye contact with the equipment operator and directly communicate your intended movements.
- Wear a reflective vest or clothing while working.
- Ensure all persons are trained to recognize workplace hazards - specifically, the limited visibility and blind areas inherent to operation of large equipment.
- Prior to starting the task, train miners on proper maintenance procedures and discuss steps that will be taken to safely perform the job.
