Metal/Nonmetal Mine Fatality

msha.gov, Mar 26, 2007

On February 19, 2007, a 50 year-old truck driver (working as a car dropper), with 16 years mining experience, was fatally injured at a crushed stone operation. He was moving two loaded railroad cars, by gravity, from the plant area to the main siding. The cars struck a 35-ton haul truck as it crossed the tracks, pinning the car dropper between the lead rail car and the truck. The truck driver received minor injuries.

This is the 3rd fatality reported in calendar year 2007 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 2006, there three fatalities reported in these industries. This is the 1st Non-Powered Haulage fatality in 2007. There were no Non-Powered Haulage fatalities in the same period in 2006

Best Practices

Establish an effective means to restrict access of self-propelled mobile equipment at railroad crossings when rail cars are being moved.
Stop, Look, Analyze, and Manage, SLAM each task to identify all potential hazards. Require mobile equipment operators to stop, look and listen before they cross rail tracks.
Provide task training that focuses on the specific hazards inherent to dropping cars.
Establish an effective method of controlling track mounted equipment while in motion. Read more at msha.gov.