A 56-year-old survey crew member was fatally injured after he was struck by a loaded shuttle car, says the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). The victim was measuring the mining height that was part of the travelway used by the shuttle car to access the section feeder.
Best Practices:
- Before performing work in an active haulage travelway, communicate your position and intended movements to mobile equipment operators and park mobile equipment until work has been completed.
- Never assume mobile equipment operators can see you. Always wear reflective clothing and permissible strobe lights to ensure high visibility when traveling or working where mobile equipment is operating.
- Be aware of blind spots on mobile equipment when traveling in the same areas where mobile equipment operates.
- Place visible warning and barrier devices at all entrances to areas prior to performing work in active travelways of mobile equipment.
- Operate mobile equipment at safe speeds and sound audible warnings when visibility is obstructed, making turns, reversing direction, etc. Ensure sound levels of audible warnings are significantly higher than ambient noise.
- Ensure directional lights are on when equipment is being operated. Maintain all lights provided on mobile equipment in proper working condition at all times.
