District 8 - Bulldozer Over Highwall

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

Department of Labor
Mine Safety and Health Administration

Info-Gram
April 2001

Bulldozer Over Highwall

A bulldozer recently fell over a 32-foot highwall at a District 8 surface mine. Its operator was leveling and cleaning the parting bench in preparation for blasting. The bulldozer continued over the edge while pushing unconfined material and flipped onto its top after the blade struck loose material that had collected at the bottom of the highwall. Using a cellular phone, the supervisor immediately called for medical assistance. The operator received a laceration on the top of his head and a fractured vertebra. Seat belts were being worn which likely prevented a more serious accident.

BEST PRACTICES

Maintain the equipment's FALLING OBJECT PROTECTION and its fastenings in good condition.
Mobile equipment operators should always wear snug fitting seat belts.
Operators should always maintain at least a blade's width of material between the bulldozer blade and the highwall.
Always push perpendicular to the edge.
Operators should always maintain positive equipment control.

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District 8 Home Page

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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