MSHA stand-down for powered haulage safety set for July 20

Arlington, VA — Alarmed by a recent surge in fatal and nonfatal work-related injuries involving powered haulage activity, the Mine Safety and Health Administration on July 20 will host a national Stand Down for Safety Day to help educate miners and employers in a bid to reduce injuries.

“All levels of MSHA enforcement staff will visit mines to meet with miners and operators,” the agency says. “MSHA staff will emphasize the need to comply with best safety practices for powered haulage, vehicle rollovers and miner training.”

The agency reports that, as of July 15, nine fatalities and 185 nonfatal injuries related to powered haulage have occurred this year.

On. Jan. 13, MSHA announced that 29 miners died on the job last year, marking the sixth straight year in which the annual total was below 30. Although the agency reported a significant decrease in deaths related to powered haulage in 2020 – 21% of the overall total – fatalities involving the activity have made up about half of miner fatalities so far this year, according to data presented June 9 during a virtual conference call for injury stakeholders.

MSHA offers numerous best practices for powered haulage:

For surface operations:

• Always dump material in a safe location.
• Always construct substantial berms as a visual indicator to prevent over travel.
• Establish safe traffic patterns with proper signage.
• Chock wheels or turn them into a bank when parking mobile equipment on a grade.

For underground operations:

• Stop and sound audible warning device before tramming equipment through ventilation curtains.
• Look in the direction of travel and stay in the operator’s compartment while operating mobile equipment.
• Install reflective signs or warning lights in low clearance areas.

For conveyors:

• Design, install and maintain guards.
• Lock and tag conveyors before performing work.