District 5 - Coal Mine Safety and Health
A Near Miss
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A serious accident recently occurred in District 5. The accident happened on the active working section of an underground mine and involved two scoops. The two scoop operators had positioned their machines in an intersection in preparation to transport timbers to the face area. One operator climbed into the deck of his scoop while the second scoop operator stood between the machines, reaching over the timbers to retrieve an item. The first operator started his machine and attempted to move away, but his machine was engaged in reverse. The scoop backed into the second man, pinning him between the two machines. Although this accident did not have deadly consequences, it was a very near miss.
BEST PRACTICES
- Don't place yourself in a vulnerable position between mobile equipment.
- Always sound an audible alarm before starting or moving mobile equipment.
- When operating machinery, be aware of your coworker's location.
