SOURCE: MSHA | June 18, 2024
Arlington, VA — Spurred by the deaths of six miners who were struck by mobile equipment in underground production areas, the Mine Safety and Health Administration has issued a safety alert.
The agency details four of the incidents, including one in which two miners were fatally injured when a locomotive collided with the personnel carrier transporting them. In addition to the six fatalities, 61 miners have suffered lost-time injuries.
MSHA best practices for operating or working near mobile equipment:
- Slow down and sound audible devices when approaching hazardous areas and before proceeding through ventilation curtains or fly pads, intersections, and blind corners.
- Communicate your position and intended movements to mobile equipment operators. Wait for their acknowledgement before moving.
- Wear reflective clothing.
- Install and maintain clear ventilation curtains or fly pads at all intersections.
- Direct mine operators to evaluate available and emerging technologies, including proximity detection systems, and consider their implementation.
- Provide hand-held radios for workers on foot or dismounting a vehicle.
- Minimize pedestrian traffic on known haulage routes.
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