A 46-year old electrician was fatally injured while trying to stop runaway railcars, according to a fatality alert issued by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). The miner jumped on to set the handbrake and then attempted to jump clear and was fatally injured when he was run over by the railcars.
The MSHA has issued best practice guidelines following the incident.
Best Practices:
- Apply a mechanical hand brake to ensure a railcar does not move when it is stopped for loading, unloading, or storage. Use wheel chocks or derail devices for added protection against accidental movement.
- Never attempt to mount, crossover, cross under, or dismount a railcar while it is moving.
- Train personnel in the safe procedures of working with railcars. Establish safe work procedures and ensure all personnel involved communicate clearly with each other.
