 |
MSHA's Accident Prevention Program Miner's Tip Falling Material Hazards |
 |
|---|
| Mine Type: All Surface |
| Category: Highwalls |
Fatalities have occurred when individuals operating equipment near a highwall were struck with material from the highwall. Recently, an individual operating an excavator was killed when a rock smashed through the roof of the cab. Equipment cabs are not designed to protect against the extreme forces generated by large rocks falling from highwalls but, they may create a false sense of security. Don't let this false sense of protection lure you into putting your guard down.
When operating equipment near the base of a highwall:
- Always check the highwall and surrounding ground conditions because it's the smart thing to do.
- Position the equipment with the cab as far away from the highwall as possibe.
Just because you are inside a cab don't think you are protected from rocks that could fall a highwall. Several accidents have occurred where rocks have crushed through cabs and fatally injured operators.
| If you have a tip you would like to pass on, you can e-mail it to zzMSHA-MinersTips@dol.gov. If your Miner's tip is selected, you will receive credit in this space. |
