Department of Labor
Mine Safety and Health Administration

Info-Gram
JUNE 2000

Refuse Bin Collapse

A refuse truck operator was recently injured while performing his normal duties at a District 8 area coal cleaning plant. The truck driver had been hauling refuse from the plant to a nearby dumping point. Upon returning from his last haul trip, the driver positioned the truck underneath the hopper bin, waiting for another load. He remained in the cab of the refuse truck. Without warning, the entire refuse bin tore loose from its mounting and fell into the empty truck. The impact of the bin collapsing into the truck injured the truck operator. Although he was able to exit the truck, the driver was unable to attract the attention of a fellow worker who was operating another piece of equipment in the area. Due to his injuries, the truck operator could not walk immediately after exiting the refuse truck. After the passage of approximately ninety-five minutes, he crawled and partially walked to the plant office where medical assistance was summoned. The injured truck operator was transported by ambulance to a nearby community hospital where he was treated and released.

• Adequate examinations should be made of all workplaces prior to beginning any work. Surface structures should be checked for structural stability, corrosion, damage, or any other hazardous conditions.
• All structures should be maintained in good repair.
• Establish and maintain a system of communication with all equipment operators.

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.