On Tuesday, September 11, 2018, a mobile bridge conveyor (MBC) operator, with 8 weeks of mining experience, was fatally injured during the mining process. The continuous mining machine (CMM) and attached MBCs had been backed out of a completed cut. While the CMM was being repositioned, it moved the attached MBCs and crushed the victim between his MBC and the coal rib.
Best Practices:
- Frequently communicate with other MBC operators before starting or tramming any component of the system. Always be in a location where other MBC operators can readily see or communicate with you.
- Install latching emergency stop switches so MBC operators can actuate them to prevent machine movement when they leave the operator’s cab or position. See PIB No. P11-16 for information on man-in position switches. https://arlweb.msha.gov/regs/complian/PIB/2011/pib11-16.pdf
- Stay out of MBC Red Zones if the CMM or any of the MBCs are energized.
- Be familiar with how the de-energizing switches on your machine operate and immediately actuate them the moment a hazard is recognized.
- Install man-in-position switches on mobile bridge conveyor systems so all MBC operators know everyone is in a safe position before initiating machine movement.
Click here for: MSHA Preliminary Report (pdf), Final Report (pdf).