skip navigational linksDepartment of Labor Seal U.S. Department of Labor
Mine Safety and Health Administration
Protecting Miners' Safety and Health Since 1978		 Photos representing the mining workforce
www.msha.gov
[skip navigational links]Search MSHA Advanced Options | A to Z | Help
Find It! in DOL | Compliance Assistance |    
Printer Friendly Version

MSHA Job Safety Tips


Truck Drivers Vehicle Capabilities

In the last five years, there have been 114 fatalities in the mining industry involving surface haulage.

SEVENTYTHREE of the fatalities, or 64 percent, involved TRUCKS.

Some of the causes of truck accidents have been: loss of control of the vehicle; faulty brakes or other defective equipment; driving too fast for conditions; the truck being overloaded; use of unsafe dumping practices; and use of parking procedures which did not hold the truck.

These types of accidents can occur if an operator is not familiar with the capabilities and limitations of the truck, or doesn't perform a proper preoperation examination.

Another cause of accidents has been persons on foot getting run over by trucks, or pinned between two vehicles.

BEFORE driving a truck a driver should:
  • Be familiar with the Manufacturer's Performance Specifications for the truck.

  • Know the rated capacity and the proper load height.

  • Know the braking capability of equipment:


      » Stopping distance;

      » Maximum grade; and

      » Gear/speed/grade information.


  • Be sure to perform preoperation inspection procedures.

  • Be aware of whether the vehicle ran normally during the last shift. Are there deficiencies that need to be corrected?

  • Be familiar with the maintenance requirements and records. Has the necessary maintenance been performed?

  • Be sure you understand the vehicle's instrumentation and gauges, the normal operating ranges, and the alarm conditions.

  • Be sure that you are familiar with the controls; controls may differ on each piece of equipment.

  • If so equipped, understand the use of electrical retarder systems.

  • Be aware of the vehicle's blind spots.

  • Check blind spots on walkaround.

  • Sound horn and follow established procedures before moving the vehicle.

  • Don't park in another vehicle's blind area.

  • Know the traffic patterns in use.

  • Know safe parking procedures.
U.S. Department of Labor
Mine Safety and Health Administration



Back to Top   Back to Top www.msha.gov www.dol.gov
Frequently Asked Questions | Freedom of Information Act | Customer Survey
Accessibility | Privacy & Security Statement | Disclaimers
Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)
1100 Wilson Boulevard, 21st Floor
Arlington, VA 22209-3939		 Phone:    (202) 693-9400
Fax-on-demand: (202) 693-9401
Technical (web) questions: Webmaster
On-line Filing Help: MSHAhelpdesk@dol.gov
or call (877) 778-6055
Contact Us