Fatality: Nonmetal Mine

Fatality Alert
METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY – On November 11, 2018, a 45- year old Underground Technician with 4 years of experience was killed when the Load-Haul-Dump (LHD) machine he had been operating underground ran over him.

Best Practices
• Ensure that all braking systems installed on mobile equipment function
properly when the engine is operating and when it is shut off. Do not
depend on hydraulic systems to hold mobile equipment in a stationary
position
• Block LHDs against motion by setting the parking brake. Turn the tires
toward the rib and lower the bucket onto the floor. Use wheel chocks
when parking mobile equipment.
• Conduct adequate pre-operational examinations on all self-propelled
mobile equipment and promptly correct any defects affecting safety.
• Before beginning a task, miners should discuss the work procedures,
identify all possible hazards, and ensure steps are taken to safely perform
the task.
This is the 14th fatality reported in calendar year 2018 in metal and nonmetal mining. As of this date in 2017, there were 12
fatalities reported in metal and nonmetal mining. This is the 8th Powered Haulage fatality in metal and nonmetal mining in 2018.
There were 6 Powered Haulage fatalities during the same period in 2017. MSHA has made the prevention of powered haulage
accidents a priority.