Accident Report: Fatality Reference
METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On February 12, 2011, a 41 year- old grader operator with 15 years of experience was killed at a phosphate rock operation. The victim and a coworker were standing and talking when he was struck by a grader that was backing up. The accident occurred in a staging area where equipment operators were inspecting their equipment before the shift.
Best Practices
- Train all persons to recognize work place hazards and to stay clear of normal paths of travel for mobile equipment.
- Regularly monitor work practices and reinforce their importance. Take immediate action to correct unsafe conditions or work practices.
- Designate a specific area, clear of mobile equipment, where persons can meet before the shift starts.
- Install cameras and collision avoidance systems on mobile equipment to protect persons.
- Ensure that illumination is adequate 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 allow time to move to a safe location.
- Communicate with mobile equipment operators and ensure they acknowledge your presence.
- Wear high visibility clothing when working around mobile equipment.
- Consider use of wearable strobes when near mobile equipment.
Additional Information
This is the 1st fatality reported in calendar year 2011 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 2010, there were 2 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the 1st Machinery fatality in 2011. There were no Machinery fatalities in the same period in 2010.