The agency said that some of the incidents had occurred when operators were struck by extraneous material, while others were caused by loose debris thrown from the roadway by the scoop’s wheels or bucket.
“A significant percentage of the non-fatal accidents were eye injuries,” MSHA noted, adding that other contributing factors were lack of roadway clearance and inadequate pulling and towing devices.
The PIB is a re-issue of P09-23 and reminds mines and equipment operators to be alert to hazardous roadway conditions, and to employ mine safety management systems and procedures for preventing, detecting, reporting and correcting conditions that expose operators to danger.
MSHA has compiled best practices for operations to reduce and prevent incidents, injuries and fatalities, including:
- Examine active roadways as often as necessary to ensure safety, particularly when hauling loose materials
- Maintain all roadways free of materials that may pose a hazard to equipment operators, passengers or other miners
- Emphasize safe operating procedures for equipment and maintenance of roadways in all training programs
- Ensure that suitable eye protection is worn whenever riding on or operating mobile equipment
- Ensure that adequate roadway clearance is available for mobile equipment, particularly with respect to vertical clearance from low overhead objects, such as roof support or ventilation materials
- Keep loads contained within the confines of the scoop bucket
- Use only tested and approved mechanisms for pulling or towing.
The agency said hazardous conditions could be identified by mines during applicable pre-shift, supplemental or on-shift examinations of roadways, travelways and track haulageways; operators should refer to sections 30 CFR, 75.360, 75.361 and 75.362 for further guidelines.
“Hazardous conditions found during such examinations must be corrected immediately or remain posted until corrected, pursuant to 30 CFR, 75.363,” officials said.
