Accident Report: Fatality Reference
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METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On October 21, 2010, a 63 year- old contract truck driver with 41 years of experience died at a fuller's earth (clay) operation. The victim backed his trailer into a bay at the mine loading dock. He got out of his truck and walked to an adjacent bay to discuss the loading procedures with the fork lift operator. At that time, a second trailer was being moved into the bay and it struck the victim, pinning him against the loading dock.
Best Practices
- Establish a control policy that includes signs directing all truck drivers to report to a designated office clear of the dock and truck travel areas when dropping or picking up loads.
- Train all persons to recognize work place hazards and to stay clear of normal paths of travel of mobile equipment.
- Provide a clearly marked, safe area for pedestrian access to the facility. Clearly mark areas that are unsafe for pedestrian access and prevent entry into those areas.
- Ensure that illumination is sufficient at the work site.
- Before moving mobile equipment, look in the direction of travel, use all mirrors, cameras, backup alarms, and installed proximity detection devices to ensure no one is in the intended path.
- Sound the horn to warn persons of movement and wait to give them time to get to a safe location.
- Communicate with mobile equipment operators and ensure they acknowledge your presence.
- Wear high visibility clothing when working around mobile equipment.
Additional Information
This is the 18th fatality reported in calendar year 2010 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 2009, there were 16 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the 5th Powered Haulage fatality in 2010. There were 5 Powered Haulage fatalities in the same period in 2009.