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
Find It! in DOL | Compliance Assistance |    
Mine Type: All Surface Mines and All Mills and Plants Category:   Haulage and Transportation and Mobile Equipment
Mine Safety and Health Administration
MSHA's Accident Prevention Program
Miner's Tip

Surface Haulage Trucks
Tipping Hazards


Printer Friendly Version
Safety and Health are Values!


Surface Haulage Trucks Tipping Hazards A fatal accident occurred when a truck dumping coal on a stockpile tipped and fell onto the cab of an adjacent truck, which was dumping alongside it. During the winter months, be mindful that wet materials will freeze to the truck bed. Loads should not be left in dump boxes overnight. So many times "hung loads" are kept elevated and the material is attempted to be dislodged by hard braking and sudden acceleration. This can cause the truck to tip-over or damage the mounting points from the hoist cylinder to the truck bed. Frequently check, after dumping, to make sure beds are empty. Small build-ups can soon become large build-ups.

Keep these tips in mind when dumping:
  • Stay clear from trucks when they are dumping.
  • Always deflate trailer air springs prior to raising the dump body.
  • Hoist cylinders are not strong enough to resist tip-over.
  • After dumping, remove "little build-ups" before they become large ones.


Issued: 10/18/2004
Tag # AP2003-M059


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.



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