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Department of Labor
Mine Safety and Health Administration
Accident Info-Gram
JANUARY 2002
Truck Rollover Accident
On January 9, 2002, a truck rollover accident occurred at a
surface mine in District 8. A 150-ton Caterpillar 785B haul truck
was being operated on the second shift at the spoil area of the
pit when the accident occurred. The haul truck operator was
hauling dirt from the east end of the pit to the spoil area,
which was near the center of the pit. The operator backed the
haul truck over the berm at the dump area. After overturning two
or three times while traveling approximately 240 feet down the
slope, the truck landed on its wheels in the pit floor. The spoil
was soft clay dirt on an approximate 30-degree angle. The
operator was wearing a seat belt, and he stayed inside the cab as
the haul truck overturned down the slope. A broken bone near the
operator's eye and a few cuts were his only injuries. Except the
passenger's side window, all of the haul truck's cab glass was
broken out. Subsequent inspection of the haul truck did not
reveal any deficiencies. Inspection of the dumping location
indicated that the berm was inadequate to prevent over travel and
overturning.
BEST PRACTICES
- Adequate berms should be constructed and maintained at all
elevated dumpsites.
- Trucks should back perpendicular to the berm and not run up
on the berm when dumping.
- All personnel, who operate or ride in mobile equipment,
should wear seat belts at all times the equipment is in
motion.
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.
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