Mine Safety and Health Administration
Protecting Miners' Safety and Health Since 1978
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U.S. Department of Labor Mine Safety and Health Administration Protecting Miners' Safety and Health Since 1978 | |
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In the past year, seven miners died while working on equipment because safety props were not available and blocking was either not used or ineffective. All of these fatalities may have been prevented if permanently attached mechanical safety props were installed and used on the equipment. One miner was crushed between the bucket lift arms and front-end loader frame because the loader was not effectively secured from movement. Another miner was trying to free wedged material in a hopper with the hinged gate (grizzly) temporarily propped up with a fence post. As he jarred the hopper, the fence post dislodged and the grate dropped, crushing him. In another accident, a truck driver was crushed when the bottom dump doors on a truck trailer suddenly closed while he was cleaning out the trailer. These accidents may have been prevented if permanently mounted and hinged prop support posts were installed on the equipment. They are typically the cheapest and quickest blocking/cribbing solution for safely working under or between hinged or elevated components. If blocking and cribbing is not done correctly, it can actually create additional hazards. In the case of the hinged gate (grizzly), a permanently mounted safety prop, similar to the mechanical prop used to secure a car hood in the open position, could have prevented the accident. When installing a permanent hinged safety prop remember to:
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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 | |
