Accident Report: Fatality Reference
METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On August 9, 2011, a 24-year-old skid-steer loader operator with 12 weeks of experience was killed at a sand and gravel operation. He accessed an elevated platform near an unguarded head pulley and became entangled in the operating conveyor system.
Best Practices
- Identify hazards around conveyor systems, design guards, and securely install the guarding.
- Always provide and maintain guarding sufficient to prevent contact with moving machine parts.
- Train persons to recognize the hazards associated with performing tasks.
- Follow established lock-out and tag-out procedures before working on operating systems or moving machine parts.
- Remain aware of potential hazards in your work area and take actions to eliminate the risks.
- Do not wear loose fitting clothing when working near moving machine parts.
Additional Information
This is the 7th fatality reported in calendar year 2011 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 2010, there were 11 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the 2nd Powered Haulage fatality in 2011. There were 2 Powered Haulage fatalities in the same period in 2010.