MSHA has issued its third Fatalgram for this year.
The fatality occurred in New Mexico, Construction Sand and Gravel Kayla Kersey; Dale Armstrong - Bonito Pit.
[caption id="attachment_82835" align="alignright" width="300"]
The driver died when the truck moved forward pinning him against the genset[/caption]
On March 24, 2017, the victim exited his personal flatbed truck, which was left running in 6th gear, to turn off the genset (diesel generator).
Prior to ascending the steps to the diesel generator, it appears the flatbed truck moved forward and pinned him against the genset trailer. The victim was found on Monday, March 27, 2017, and pronounced dead at the scene
This is the 3rd fatality reported in calendar year 2017 in metal and nonmetal mining. As of this date in 2016, there were three fatalities reported in metal and nonmetal mining. This is the 1st machinery fatality in 2017. There were no machinery fatalities in the same period in 2016.
MSHA has the following advice to help prevent such accidents
Best Practices
- Place the transmission in park and set the park brake before exiting vehicle
- Do not depend on hydraulic systems to hold mobile equipment in a stationary position
- Always chock the wheels when parking vehicles on a grade
- Never place yourself in front of an unsecured piece of mobile equipment.
