Safety Alert
Underground Mobile Equipment
Four accidents involving underground mobile equipment occurred from 9/26/2023 to 10/16/2023. One fatality and three serious injuries resulted when miners were pinned between underground mobile equipment and the coal rib.
Best Practices
Establish operating procedures to ensure that:
- Mobile equipment is maintained in safe operating condition. Remove unsafe equipment from service.
- Avoid pinch points and “Red Zone” areas.
- Miners operate equipment from a safe location. Wear reflective clothing.
- Miners communicate their presence and intended movements when working around mobile equipment and wait for acknowledgment before moving.
- Miners sound audible warnings, distinguishable from surrounding noise, before moving equipment and when approaching and before traveling through check curtains.
- Miners are trained on the safety aspects, safeguards, and safe operating procedures of mobile equipment before use.
Miners and mine operators may find additional important safety information on operating underground mobile equipment, including underground powered haulage prevention practices, at MSHA’s Powered Haulage Safety Initiative: https://www.msha.gov/safety-and-health/safety-and-health-initiatives/powered-haulage-safety