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Mine Type:  All Mines Category:  Haulage and Transportation
Mine Safety and Health Administration
MSHA's Accident Prevention Program
Miner's Tip

"Roll Off Container Truck Safety"

Printer Friendly Version 		Safety and Health are Values!


Whether the container contains cargo or refuse, it is large and potentially dangerous. The box can slip to one side or the other, the cable or hook can break or slip, the rear door can fly open, or the contents can fall out. Any of these can cause serious injury or death. Six related accidents have been reported in the mining industry since 2000. Roll Off Container Truck Safety

Although none of these resulted in a fatality, like any accident, an inch or two closer or a second or two later could have resulted in loss of life.

Follow these basic safety rules when containers are being loaded or unloaded:
  • Prior to loading, examine the truck for damaged cables or hooks.
  • Prior to loading, examine the truck for damaged cables or hooks. Never unload boxes on slopes, grades or uneven ground.
  • Prior to loading, examine the truck for damaged cables or hooks. Check the box itself for weak, broken or rusted anchors. Many times the body of the container is rusted and may contain holes.
  • Prior to loading, examine the truck for damaged cables or hooks. Stay out of the loading area. Never walk or stand behind or along side the box being loaded or unloaded.
  • Prior to loading, examine the truck for damaged cables or hooks. Insist that contractors and miners who drive these trucks are properly trained. The handling of containers that can weigh up to 20 tons should be taken very seriously.
  • Prior to loading, examine the truck for damaged cables or hooks. If you're in a loading and unloading area, wear reflective clothing. Being seen is always being safer.
  • Prior to loading, examine the truck for damaged cables or hooks. Do a walk around. Get out and look before loading or unloading.


MSHA extends a thank you and a tip of the hardhat to
Charles R. Murray Jr. of Harleyville, NC
a winner of a limited edition sticker and patch.

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


Issued: 04/28/2006
Tag # AP2006-92501



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