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 Tip

Life Jackets

Printer Friendly Version 		Safety and Health are Values!


Safety Tip: Life jackets do save lives. Wear yours.

Two miners recently drowned while working on or near water. A miner drowned at a dredging operation when the boat he was working from sank. Although he could swim, he was not wearing a life jacket. His companion, a non-swimmer, was able to grab two small tanks that floated by him. He survived. In effect, these tanks acted as his "life jacket."


Dredge on River Two freon tanks tied together


The following practices may save your life.
  • ALWAYS wear an approved personal flotation device (PFD) when working or traveling on a boat.

  • A Type I device provides the most protection of common PFD's. These are designed to turn most unconscious people face up in the water.
  • Flotation devices, like any tool or equipment, require replacement after a period of use. Inspect your PFD periodically to insure it is in serviceable condition. Replace it at the first sign of damage or unusual wear.
Reissued: 04/30/2002
Tag # AP2002-M037


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