A miner with a year’s experience was killed while working on a conveyor pulley, says the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). According to a fatality alert, victim was working from an aerial lift located under the belt conveyor when he became entangled in the pulley.
"This is the ninth fatality reported in calendar year 2018 in metal and nonmetal mining. As of this date in 2018, there were seven fatalities reported in metal and nonmetal mining. This is the sixth powered haulage fatality in 2018," MSHA adds.
MSHA has issued best practice guidelines following the incident.
Best Practices:
- Ensure that persons assigned to clean conveyor belts have received adequate training and verify that safe belt conveyor work practices are followed.
- Stay clear of moving equipment and do not reach into any part of a moving conveyor.
- Avoid wearing loose-fitting clothing when working around moving conveyor belt components.
- Verify that all incoming power connectors are open by a circuit breaker, the conveyor is stopped and secured from movement before working on belt conveyors.
- Provide and maintain safe access to elevated areas where routine maintenance is performed.
