On June 6, 2009, a 57-year old surface driller with 27 years of experience was fatally injured at a surface gold mine. The victim was drilling in a pit, exited the drill, and was walking in the drill area when he was struck by a flatbed truck as it backed up. The truck was in the area to collect drill cutting sample bags.
Best Practices
- Before moving mobile equipment, look in the direction of travel, use all mirrors, cameras, and installed proximity detection devices to ensure no one is in the intended path.
- Sound the horn to warn persons of movement and wait to give them time to get to a safe location.
- Operate mobile equipment at reduced speeds in work areas.
- Do not operate mobile equipment in reverse for extended distances when it is possible to travel forward.
- Be aware of the location of mobile equipment in your work area before exiting your equipment.
- Communicate with mobile equipment operators and ensure they acknowledge your presence.
- Wear high visibility clothing when working around mobile equipment.
- Train all miners to recognize work place hazards.
Click here for: MSHA Investigation Report(pdf), Overview(powerpoint), Overview(pdf)