A loader operator was filling a bin when the loader’s bucket hit the upper body of a miner who entered the area unannounced. The miner was conscious and talking and was immediately transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Best Practices
- Always make sure equipment operators see you before entering any area where mobile equipment is operated. If possible, make eye contact with the equipment operator. When moving to a different area, inform the equipment operator before leaving the area.
- Before moving mobile equipment, look in the direction of travel, use all mirrors, cameras, and installed proximity detection devices to ensure no one is in the intended path.
- Ensure that all persons are clear before moving equipment. Sound your horn to warn unseen persons that you are about to move and wait a few moments to give them time to get to a safe location.
- Ensure that backup alarms on mobile equipment are maintained and operational