skip navigational linksDepartment of Labor Seal U.S. Department of Labor
Mine Safety and Health Administration
Protecting Miners' Safety and Health Since 1978 		Photos representing the mining workforce
www.msha.gov
[skip navigational links] Search MSHA Advanced Options | A to Z | Help
Find It! in DOL | Compliance Assistance |    
Mine Type: All Surface Category:   General Safety
Mine Safety and Health Administration
MSHA's Accident Prevention Program
Miner's Tips

Dredge Safety

Printer Friendly Version 		Safety and Health are Values!


Dredge Safety From 1993 through 2002 there have been thirteen fatal accidents associated with dredging in the mining industry. The cause of death in twelve of these accidents was drowning. The real tragedy in these accidents is eleven of these drowning victims were not wearing life vests or any Personal Flotation Devices (PFD's). So it is possible that over 80% of these deaths could have been prevented by the use of PFD's.

PFD's are required but some miners don't wear them. Some complain about PFD's being hot, others feel they're good swimmers, and there are those who say they just forget. These reasons are just weak excuses. Today many comfortable varieties of PFD's are available. Even strong swimmers may not be able to swim to safety and can drown. If you are forgetful, place your PFD in a place where you can't miss it before going near the water. Always wear your PFD when working on or near the water!


Reissued: 07/27/2004
Tag # AP2004-M107


If you have a tip you would like to pass on, you can e-mail it to zzMSHA-MinersTips@dol.gov. If your tip is selected, you will receive credit in this space.



Back to Top   Back to Top www.msha.gov www.dol.gov
Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)
1100 Wilson Boulevard, 21st Floor
Arlington, VA 22209-3939		 Phone:    (202) 693-9400
Fax-on-demand: (202) 693-9401
Technical (web) questions: Webmaster
On-line Filing Help: MSHAhelpdesk@dol.gov
or call (877) 778-6055
Contact Us