On May 11 a motorman was seriously injured while unloading a shield from an underground service elevator. The motorman was attempting to pull a shield off the elevator when the shield slipped off the dollies and fell forward, striking him. The motorman’s cab was facing adjacent to the shield.

MSHA said the position of the locomotive motorman was critical when transporting large pieces of equipment, such as longwall shields.

Since 1996, two miners have been fatally injured when the mobile equipment they were operating struck the tips of shields being stored or transported near mine portals.

MSHA has issued the following best practices:

Use a reversed locomotive or place an empty supply car or an appropriate drawbar between the locomotive and the load.

Transport and store shields with tips pointed away from mobile equipment and roadways.

Secure the load and make connections to prevent tipping or falling when attempting to pull equipment using chains or slings.

Inspect slings or chains to ensure they are not damaged and are properly sized for the load and rigging arrangement.

Plan and oversee work, emphasizing adherence to safe work practices, including safe work positions to avoid being struck by falls of equipment or recoil from breaking attachments.