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District 8 - Coal Mine Safety and Health
Info-Grams and Close Call Accidents


Info-Grams
Close Call Graphic
Department of Labor
Mine Safety and Health Administration

Accident Info-Gram
JANUARY 2010

2010 NEAR MISS ACCIDENTS - Bulldozers in Feeders

MSHA has become aware of at least two recent near miss accidents occurring around stockpiles where equipment slipped into a feeder void. Following training procedures and remaining calm prevented these near misses from becoming serious accidents.

January 18, 2010, a bulldozer operator was working on the clean coal stock pile pushing material into feeders with a Caterpillar D9L Bulldozer. He became entrapped for three hours due to a collapse of a void that had formed.

January 29, 2010, a bulldozer operator was pushing material into the feeders with a D6R Bulldozer. He became trapped for 20 minutes over the feeder as a result of pushing too close to the edge of the void.

Follow your training. If an accident does occur it is extremely important that the dozer operator stays in the cab. Both of these accidents are only near miss incidents because the operator stayed in the bulldozer cab.

ARE YOU PRACTICING YOUR BEST AT YOUR MINE?
Dozer in Feeder Void
BEST PRACTICES
  • Indicate all feeder locations with overhead markers.
  • Avoid operating mobile equipment over feeders.
  • Keep the draw hole nearly full during load out operations to avoid creating a void.
  • Keep mobile equipment facing the draw hole.
  • Provide the cab with communications, lighting, submarine glass, and two self rescuers. Communications should be with all persons who affect pile operation.
  • Provide a transmitter inside the cab so the operator can shut down the feeder and stacker belts.
  • Most importantly stay in the equipment. STAY IN TO STAY ALIVE!!

This information was provided by concerned miners in an effort to eliminate accidents. Accident or "close call" information within District 8 may be shared by contacting the MSHA office at (812) 882-7617.