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 Mines Category:   Haulage and Transportation, Mobile Equipment and Maintenance
Mine Safety and Health Administration
MSHA's Accident Prevention Program
Miner's Tip

"Get Out And Look"

Printer Friendly Version 		Safety is a Value


Get Out an Look Whether you are operating a front-end loader, haul truck, mobile crane or a pick-up truck, your vision is generally impaired when you sit in the operator's seat. When you are working in a new area in the mine or if the conditions have changed in a familiar area it's a good idea to get out of your equipment and inspect the work area before performing your job. Larger front-end loaders are often equipped with large decks above the engine compartment which allow you to scan the work area for hazards, smaller pieces of mobile equipment and other miners.

     A serious accident was recently avoided when a loader operator noticed that a pickup truck that had been near his work area wasn't visible. At some point, the operator lost track of the truck. Getting no response on his radio, the operator stopped his machine for a moment, climbed onto the engine deck and found the truck had stalled behind the loader and its radio was not operative due to the electrical failure. If he had continued backing up, he would have run over the truck. Fortunately, the loader operator had been trained to "Get Out And Look" for hazards that may not have been present at the beginning of his shift. This loader operator also makes it a habit to "Get Out And Look" anytime he arrives at a work area.

To attain a "G.O.A.L" of zero accidents means you gotta "Get Out And Look" for hazards.


Issued: 10/01/2003
Tag # AP2003-M098


MSHA extends a thank you and a tip of the hardhat to
Terry Tyson of San Diego, California,
a winner of a limited edition sticker and patch.
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