A miner operating an excavator equipped with a rock breaker attachment was struck by a rock that penetrated the ride side window of the cab while breaking up large boulders, according to the Mine Safety and Health Administration. The victim was unresponsive for approximately twenty minutes before medical help arrived and was transported and diagnosed with severe concussion.
Best Practices:
- Establish and discuss safe work procedures before beginning work. Identify and control all hazards associated with the work to be performed and the methods to properly protect persons. Task train all persons in safe work procedures.
- When breaking oversized material, it is always better to break the ends or at a crack.
- To avoid injury from flying chips of stone, be sure others stay well away from the breaker when it is operating.
- Ensure that the machine is equipped with the necessary glass protection from flying material.
