On April 11, 2016, a 61-year old dozer operator with 18 years of mining experience was fatally injured at a surface titanium ore mine. He had been leveling the haul roads into the pit with the dozer and was found lying approximately 30 feet in front of the dozer.

Best Practices

• Ensure that persons are trained, including task-training, to understand the hazards associated with the work being performed.
• Set the parking brake and lower the bull dozer blade to the ground before dismounting equipment.
• Establish and discuss safe work procedures before beginning work. Identify and control all hazards associated with the work to be performed and use methods to properly protect persons.
• Do not place yourself in a position that will expose you to hazards while performing a task.
• Maintain control of mobile equipment while it is in motion.
• Maintain equipment braking systems in good repair and adjustment. Do not depend on hydraulic systems to hold mobile equipment stationary.
• Never jump from mobile equipment.
• Monitor persons routinely to determine safe work procedures are followed.

Click here for: MSHA Preliminary Report (pdf), MSHA Investigation Report (pdf), Overview (pdf).