Accident Report: Fatality Reference
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METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY – On December 21, 2016, a 39-year old contract truck driver, with 11 months of mining experience, was injured on the surface of an underground gold mine. The victim was hauling gold ore in an over-the-road truck from the mine to the plant. While descending the roadway from the mine, the victim lost control of his truck. He traveled up an embankment and over an approximate 20 foot drop, landing back in the roadway. The victim was transported to the hospital and died from his injuries several days later.
Best Practices
- Maintain equipment braking systems in good repair and adjustment. Never rely on engine brakes and transmission retarders as substitutes for keeping brakes properly maintained.
- Maintain control of equipment at all times, making allowances for prevailing conditions (low visibility, inclement weather, etc).
- Examine haulage roads for hazardous conditions prior to permitting equipment access and especially when conditions change due to snow, ice, or water.
- Communicate hazardous conditions to other persons using the haulage road. Ensure traffic rules, signals, and warning signs are posted and obeyed.
- Keep roadways clear and safe for travel. Remove snow and ice which may cause loss of traction for equipment along roadways.
- Train all employees on proper work procedures, hazard recognition and avoidance.
- Know the truck's capabilities, operating ranges, load-limits and properly maintain the brakes and other safety features.
- Use chains for better traction while stopping or climbing on snow covered steep grades, consider the use of chains for better traction while stopping or climbing.
Additional Information
This is the 17th fatal reported in calendar year 2016 in metal and nonmetal mining. As of this date in 2015, there were 17 fatalities reported in metal and nonmetal mining. This is the 4th fatality classified as powered haulage in 2016. There were 4 powered haulage accident classification fatalities in the same period in 2015.