Complete Safety Solutions Blog
Ideas and Discussions on Safety

New Location - New Blog

May 25, 2010 04:24 by randy
We're moving! To consolidate resources in one location this blog has moved to safeminers.com. Material from here will eventually be transferred, but all new entries will appear at safeminers.com. There will be some great new features there, so check it out!

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Work Zone Safety

May 4, 2010 13:34 by randy

 

 


Vacation travel and road work seem to go together. Make sure you and others are safe this season with the ASSE Work Zone Safety Brochure. Just click on the link to download the pdf file that you can print and post or distribute. It's loaded with safety tips for workers and travelers alike.

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Fatality #4 for Metal/Nonmetal Mining 2010

April 16, 2010 04:02 by randy

On March 24, 2010, a 63 year-old contract truck driver with 21 years of experience was fatally injured at a surface area of an underground salt mine. The victim was loading his truck under a 150 ton salt bin when it collapsed, falling onto the cab of the truck. A second victim working in the area received serious injuries.

Best Practices

  • Routinely examine metal structures for indications of weakened structural soundness (corrosion, fatigue cracks, bent/buckling beams, braces or columns, loose/missing connectors, broken welds, etc.).
  • Keep corrosive material spillage/build-up removed from metal structures.
  • Report all areas where indications of structural weakness are found.

 


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Fatality #3 for Metal/Nonmetal Mining 2010

March 22, 2010 03:56 by randy

March 22, 2010 - Powered Haulage -Wyoming - Bentonite - American Colloid Company - Yellowtail Mine

On April 15, 2010, MSHA SOL made a determination that the fatality that occurred on March 22, 2010 (MNM #3 - American Colloid Company - Yellowtail Mine - Lovell, WY) is not under MSHA jurisdiction, and therefore, not chargeable to the industry.


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Fatality #2 for Metal/Nonmetal Mining 2010

March 4, 2010 15:59 by randy

 

On January 26, 2010, a 59 year-old purchasing manager with 5 years of experience was fatally injured at a cement operation. The victim was struck by an over-the-road tandem trailer truck. The truck had been waiting to unload. When the truck pulled forward, another truck driver observed the victim under the second trailer of the truck and immediately stopped the driver. The victim was holding a cell phone at the time of the accident.

Best Practices
  • Train all persons to stay clear of mobile equipment.
  • Be aware of the location and traffic patterns of mobile equipment in your work area.
  • Communicate with mobile equipment operators and ensure they acknowledge your presence.
  • Never approach mobile equipment until you receive confirmation from the operator indicating awareness of your presence.
  • Wear high visibility clothing when working around mobile equipment.
  • Avoid distractions, such as cell phones, when exposed to hazards.
  • Before moving mobile equipment, look in the direction of travel, use all mirrors, cameras, and installed proximity detection devices to ensure no persons are in the intended path.
  • Sound the horn to warn persons of intended movement and wait to give them time to move to a safe location.

 


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The Solution to All Your Maintenance Problems

February 14, 2010 12:33 by randy

For all of you who enjoyed the Duct Tape Factory Tour in last year's Refresher class. Here's an image that would make Red Green go wild!


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Fatality #1 for Metal/Nonmetal Mining 2010

February 12, 2010 05:16 by randy

On January 9, 2010, a 20 year-old contractor laborer with 21 weeks of experience was fatally injured at a copper operation. Two track excavators were being used to place a 400-foot long section of 24-inch diameter plastic pipe into a pond. To facilitate the installation process, the pipe was placed on top of an adjacent section of pipe that was previously placed on the plastic lining of the pond. During installation, the pipe being installed misaligned and the victim and two coworkers attempted to remove the end of this pipe from the top of the existing pipe. At that time, the end of the pipe shifted, hit a coworker, and then struck the victim. The victim fell to the ground and the pipe landed on him. The coworker was not injured. 

Best Practices
  • Task train all persons prior to performing any work.
  • Always stay clear of suspended loads.
  • Use taglines of sufficient length to adequately protect persons from potential hazards.

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


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MSHA Announces Drop In Fatalities for 2009

January 11, 2010 05:22 by randy

MSHA issued a news release that gave credit in part for a large drop in mining fatalities to enforcement. They gave a nod to miners being safe, but ignored the fact that with the bad econonmy miners just didn't work as many hours last year. Of course the figures aren't out, but it's not too hard to see in the stone industry at least. It's a great accomplishment for everyone to reduce the fatalities as much as we did, but I'll wait to see the fatality rate before I celebrate too much. It's possible that with the reduced hours the rate still did not decline and that's what really matters.

Read the news release here.


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Have a SAFE Celebration!

December 24, 2009 04:03 by randy

Here's wishing you and your loved ones a very happy and SAFE holiday season. Click HERE to visit holidaysafety.org for some great safety materials.


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Flu Season

December 11, 2009 13:56 by randy


I was at the doctor this week for my H1N1 flu shot and remembered that I had this link to post for some time. There's lots of information out there on H1N1 and some of it's even good! (ha ha) The bottom line is that reasonable steps to help prevent the spread of any flu is a good investment. For one, I've noticed that the simple procedure of sneezing into one's elbow is catching on. That along with the willingness of people who are sick to stay home, which is a tougher thing to sell, are great first steps to keeping more of us healthy.


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Fatality #16 for Metal/Nonmetal Mining 2009

October 26, 2009 20:05 by randy

 

On September 27, 2009, a 28 year-old truck driver with 2 years of experience was fatally injured at a copper operation. He was operating a 240-ton haul truck that left the haul road and climbed a berm, causing it to overturn and land on the haul road. The victim, who was not wearing a seat belt, fell from the cab of the truck. 

Best Practices
  • Always wear a seat belt when operating a haul truck or mobile equipment.
  • Monitor employees regularly to ensure seat belts are worn when operating mobile equipment.
  • Maintain control and stay alert when operating mobile equipment.
  • Conduct pre-operational checks to identify and correct any defects that may affect the safe operation of self-propelled mobile equipment.

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


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MSHA Alert for October Safety

October 1, 2009 12:31 by randy

A serious statistic from MSHA:  Safety Information Recently Posted - Metal/Nonmetal October Fatal Alert

During the last 10 years Metal and Nonmetal mines have experienced more fatal accidents in the month of October than in any other month. Work with MSHA to prevent more fatalities by focusing on working safely. Spread the word at your workplace with the following flyer that they provided.

Click here for the pdf of the October Alert and post it around your workplace.


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Fatality #15 for Metal/Nonmetal Mining 2009

September 25, 2009 06:18 by randy

On September 15, 2009, a 59 year-old delivery driver with 14 years of experience was fatally injured at a sand and gravel operation. She parked off mine property and walked on site to deliver a package. The victim walked behind a front-end loader that backed over her. 

Best Practices
  • Establish a visitor control policy that includes signs directing visitors to a safe location.
  • Train delivery persons to recognize work place hazards they could be exposed to while at the mine.
  • Always make sure equipment operators see you before entering any area where mobile equipment is operated. If possible, make eye contact with the equipment operator. When moving to a different area, inform the equipment operator before leaving the area.
  • 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.
  • Ensure that all persons are clear before moving equipment. Sound your horn to warn unseen persons that you are about to move and wait a few moments to give them time to get to a safe location.
  • Ensure that backup alarms on mobile equipment are maintained and operational.

 


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Fatality #14 for Metal/Nonmetal Mining 2009

September 17, 2009 08:56 by randy

 

On August 27, 2009, a 54 year-old contract truck driver with 33 years of experience was fatally injured at a lime operation. The victim, wearing a fall protection harness and an attached lanyard, was found partially suspended on the top of a bulk trailer. He had been working on top of the trailer, closing hatch covers, when the incident occurred.

Best Practices
  • Pneumatically actuated ports for dry bulk trailers are available to allow remote operation and keep truck drivers on the ground.
  • Prior to beginning work, identify all hazards and use appropriate controls to protect persons.
  • When wearing fall protection, ensure it is properly adjusted to fit the user.
  • When working where hazardous conditions exist, maintain communications or contact with other persons.
  • Keep work surfaces free of dust, water, and tripping hazards.
  • Wear laced shoes with appropriate soles for the work surface.

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Death by Cell Phone

August 25, 2009 08:04 by randy
The National Safety Council has been in the news several times this Summer about it's support on banning cell phone use by drivers. A new site at www.deathbycellphone.org has some convincing materials including the story of two families who lost members to an accident that involved the other driver using a cell phone. There are also some interesting statistics. In fact each year over one hundred times as many people die in cell phone related accidents than died in Metal Nonmetal mines last year.

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Pennsylvania DEP / MSHA Regulations

August 11, 2009 10:46 by randy

Just for the Pennsylvania readers we put together one of our trademark EZ Compliance Helpers to give you an easy, but detailed look at the MSHA regulations that the Department of Environmental Protection has adopted and plans to enforce during it's normal mine inspections. We've only done the ones that relate to non-coal since that's who we normally dealing with. You can check it out for yourself on our Safety Extras page.

By the way we had a fantastic Safety Roundtable discussing these selections and the DEP enforcement issues in general. If you're in traveling distance to SE Pennsylvania and would like to get an invite to our next one or want to just get email updates from us you can sign up by clicking here to go to our web page. Put your email in the little box there and you're in!


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Summer is Finally Here

July 29, 2009 13:24 by randy

Well, I don't want to complain. I like the cooler than normal weather we've been having this Summer. That probably makes the heat and humidity we've had for a few days even worse... or at least noticeable. Anyways, these guys know how to cool off... or NOT! This is a slide from this year's training that reminds us to take a safety break, but never a break from safety.


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MSHA Finals on 2008 Injuries and Fatalities

July 21, 2009 07:02 by randy

 

Do you like numbers? Then you'll love perusing this report. Lots and lots of numbers giving you the final fatalities and injuries in mining. There are breakdowns by industry, work location, State, accident classification and more. Need injury-incidence rates for contractors? This report has got them. Just click here to open/download this pdf file from MSHA.

 

 


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Fatality #13 for Metal/Nonmetal Mining 2009

July 15, 2009 11:39 by randy

On July 2, 2009, a 52-year old mine owner with 34 years of experience was fatally injured at a surface dimension stone operation. He was working alone and was operating a walk behind masonry saw on a ledge. Apparently he was positioned between the saw and the edge when he tripped and fell. The victim and the saw went over the 9-foot ledge and the saw fell on him. 

Best Practices

  • Identify all hazards and use appropriate controls to protect persons.
  • Ensure that operators are in a safe position and have control of their equipment at all times.
  • Keep workplaces free of tripping hazards.
  • Use barricades or railings at edges of drop-offs where persons are in danger of falling.
  • Equip walk behind masonry saws with devices to stop the engine if the operator can not maintain control of the equipment.
  • Design bench top stone cutting patterns so the saw operator is not positioned between the saw and the drop off edge.
Click here for: MSHA Investigation Report(pdf), Overview(powerpoint), Overview(pdf)

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Safety Roundtable Scheduled for Next Week

July 14, 2009 12:26 by randy
We're planning to have quarterly Safety Roundtables to discuss safety issues in mining and construction at our training facility in Lititz, PA. If you're in the area and would like to come to our first one on Thursday, July 23, 2009 at 8:00 AM please let us know. There is more information available including directions and a link to register at http://bit.ly/roundtable0907b. We expect the event to last about 2 hours and a continental breakfast will be served. The Roundtable is free, but we ask that you please register ahead.

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Does the Training Fun Never End?

July 9, 2009 12:26 by randy
I always try to build some fun into my training. Ideally there's a serious point to it, but occasionally it's tough to combine the two and I just surrender to "let's have some fun and see what happens." Most times I'm pleasantly surprised like having a little contest between operators of this little radio-controlled forklift. The frank discussions that have erupted comparing how operators drive the real things just like the shortcuts they invariably take with the toy are better than we could ever get from a powerpoint. Many have wanted to take the fun home... literally, so I promised to post a link to where I got my forklift so you can get your own and the fun truly never has to end... at least until the batteries run out. Click here to visit Extreme-Geek.com. Yeah, that's right, I am. But you already knew that.

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Joe Main to be Nominated for Head of MSHA

July 7, 2009 06:02 by randy

A White House press release announced intentions to nominate a number of government officials yesterday including Joseph Main as Assistant Secretary for MSHA. The press release says the following about Mr. Main:

Joseph A. (Joe) Main, has vast mine health safety experience in the U.S. and is internationally recognized as an expert in mining health issues.  A Greene County Pennsylvania native, now residing in Spotsylvania, VA, Mr. Main began working in coal mines in 1967 and quickly became an advocate for miners safety as a union safety committeeman as well as serving in various local union positions in the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA). He was employed by the UMWA in 1974 as a Special Assistant to the International President, and joined the UMWA Safety Division in 1976, serving as Safety Inspector, Administrative Assistant, and Deputy Director. In 1982 he was appointed Administrator of the UMWA Occupational Health and Safety Department, a position he held for 22 years, managing the international health and safety program and staff. He has considerable hands on experience inspecting and evaluating mining conditions, plans and systems. Mr. Main currently works as a self-employed mine safety consultant.  His recent work has focused on international mine safety, research and analysis projects on preventing mining accidents, and development of training programs and facilities to prepare miners and emergency responders for mine emergencies.  He was born in Waynesburg, PA, and is a graduate of the National Mine Health and Safety Academy.


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Have a Safe Independence Day!

July 1, 2009 12:53 by randy

Just wishing everyone a happy and safe holiday.  If you need some materials for fireworks safety, especially for children. Check out kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/outdoor/fireworks.html


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Fatality #12 for Metal/Nonmetal Mining 2009

July 1, 2009 12:50 by randy

On June 20, 2009, a 52-year old equipment oiler/greaser with 24 years of experience was fatally injured at an underground salt mine. He was cleaning equipment when a large roof fall occurred. 

Best Practices
  • When ground conditions create a hazard to persons, install effective ground support before other work is permitted in the affected area.
  • Design, install, and maintain a support system to control the ground in places where persons work or travel.
  • Examine and test ground conditions in areas where work is to be performed prior to work commencing and as ground conditions warrant during the shift.
  • Be alert to any change of ground conditions.
  • Identify and scale loose ground from a location which will not expose persons to falling material.
Click here for: MSHA Investigation Report(pdf), Overview(powerpoint), Overview(pdf)

 


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Mining Fatality Update

June 30, 2009 06:54 by randy
I've caught up on the fatality postings, adding numbers 1 - 8. They aren't showing up here at the top of the blog because I placed them in order as they happened, which should make it easier to refer to them when searching. You can click on the category Mining Fatalities to view them all, or find them when clicking on tabs that relate to the industry or hazard involved. For the ones that have completed Investigation Reports there is also a handy link to the pdf for that and the overviews. I'll add them to existing fatality entries as they are made available on MSHA's site. Let me know if there's any other way to make these entries useful.

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Attack Cat is Ready to Take on the Week

June 29, 2009 06:03 by randy

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Lightning Safety Week

June 22, 2009 07:43 by randy

 

 

June 21 - 27 is National Lightning Safety Week. There are some good materials for work or home on the National Weather Service web page. Click here to check them out. Is lightning a serious safety issue for you or your company? There were more people killed by lightning last year than working in Metal/Nonmetal mines. Check it out, it's shocking! (okay, I apologize... I just had to add that last bit.)


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Fatality #11 for Metal/Nonmetal Mining 2009

June 19, 2009 05:59 by randy

On June 11, 2009, a 57-year old mechanic with 31 years of experience was fatally injured at an underground lead/zinc mine while checking for a hydraulic leak on a loader. The victim leaned into the ejector plate relief port in the back of the loader bucket. The ejector plate of the bucket was retracted, crushing him against the back of the bucket.

Best Practices
  • Train persons to recognize work place hazards.
  • Establish safe work procedures before a task is performed.
  • Securely block equipment and components against hazardous motion at all times while performing maintenance work.
  • If equipment and components are to be moved, always verify persons are aware and in a safe location prior to movement.
  • Consult and follow the manufacturer's recommended safe work procedures for the maintenance task.
  Click here for: MSHA Investigation Report(pdf), Overview(powerpoint), Overview(pdf)

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Fatality #10 for Metal/Nonmetal Mining 2009

June 19, 2009 05:38 by randy

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)

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Funny Break Photo

June 15, 2009 05:52 by randy
 
Okay, like just about every other PowerPoint presenter, I don't know what we did as trainers before the internet, but since it's here we all use those funny photos you can find everywhere. I was conducting MSHA Refresher training on Friday and got a request for sharing this photo that I use to let us know it's time to take a break, or a stretch as I labeled the slide. It occured to me that this would be another great way to use the blog. So, if you're in one of my classes and had a favorite part of the class OTHER than what I was actually trying to get across, you'll probably find it here eventually. Of course, I'm not going to share them before I get some mileage out of them in class. Though most everyone enjoys these no matter how many times they see them.
Just click on the Category HUMOR and you'll be able to find all the funny stuff eventually. At this posting you'll only find two, but there's more to come.

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Mining Fatality Update

June 11, 2009 05:23 by randy

After posting the most recent fatality I had an AHA! moment. If I posted all the fatalities and tag them with some basic labels like type of mine, equipment, etc. I would end up with a database that is easily searchable for not only fatalities, but other important relative information. For example, click on loader in the tag section and it will show you all posts with loader fatalities along with other information posted about loaders. Neat, huh?

So I'm going to continue to post fatalities. In fact, I'm going to go back and add the previous fatalgrams as I get time here. I'll post new ones as soon as I can after the fatalgram is posted. Then I'll go back and add the link to the investigation when that is posted as well. Of course it will all be even better if you add your comments. So go ahead. Comment.


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Occupational Injury and Illness Classification System Tree

June 10, 2009 07:19 by randy

NIOSH has created an easy to use tree system to look up the classification code for occupational injury and illnesses. If you need that kind of thing, which you might if you're searching for information on MSHA's injury database it's a helpful tool.  I've added a link on our  Regulatory Information page at under NIOSH Resources. Click here to go there now.


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Fatality #9 for Metal/Nonmetal Mining 2009

June 9, 2009 11:49 by randy

 

 

On May 2, 2009, a 51-year old front-end loader operator with 8 weeks of experience was fatally injured at a surface clay operation. The victim parked a front-end loader on a loading ramp and was run over by the machine after he exited it. 

Best Practices

  • Keep unauthorized persons out of the cabs of mobile equipment.
  • Never leave mobile equipment unattended unless the controls are placed in the park position and the parking brake is set.
  • Lower the bucket to the ground when parking mobile equipment.
  • Chock or turn the wheels when parked on a grade.

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Fatality #8 for Metal/Nonmetal Mining 2009

May 5, 2009 06:50 by randy

On May 1, 2009, a 59-year old dredge operator with 3 years of experience was fatally injured at a dredging operation. The victim was trying to manually guide the wire cable onto one of two positioning winches on the dredge when he became entangled in it. 

Best Practices
  • Conduct a complete pre-operational inspection of equipment that includes checking winches and cables.
  • Install new winch cables to reel in the same direction as the old cable.
  • Inspect winches to confirm proper reeling of the cable.
  • Assign two persons to perform maintenance tasks on dredges.
  • Block equipment against hazardous motion before performing maintenance tasks.
  • Label valve bank levers to indicate direction of movement.
  • Do not wear loose clothing when working near moving machine parts.

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


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Fatality #7 for Metal/Nonmetal Mining 2009

April 25, 2009 06:46 by randy

On April 21, 2009, a 51-year old contract laborer with 3 years of experience was fatally injured at a sand and gravel dredging operation. The victim was inside an excavation ditch while an excavator was maneuvering a concrete box into place. The chain used to attach the four leg sling from the box to the excavator broke. The box fell into the hole and struck the victim crushing him. 

Best Practices
  • Identify hazards associated with the task to be performed, review those hazards with all personnel involved, and implement measures to ensure persons are properly protected.
  • Communicate lift plans to all persons working in the lift zone to ensure that no one is under a suspended load.
  • Stay clear of a suspended load.
  • Attach taglines to loads that may require steadying or guidance while suspended.
  • Use sling or chain assemblies (rigging) specifically intended for lifting and adequately rated for the loads being lifted.
  • Carefully inspect all rigging prior to each use.

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


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Fatality #6 for Metal/Nonmetal Mining 2009

April 18, 2009 06:42 by randy

On April 14, 2009, a 38 - year old contractor carpenter with 8 years of experience was fatally injured at a cement plant under construction. While dismantling a section of scaffolding, the victim lost his balance and fell when one end of the metal pan on which he was standing shifted unexpectedly. As he fell backward, the victim's safety lanyard slipped off the end of the horizontal scaffold to which he was tied. 

Best Practices
  • Train persons to recognize the hazards associated with the type of scaffold being used and how to control or minimize those hazards.
  • Wear fall protection where there is a danger of falling.
  • Where possible anchor fall protection to permanent support structure.
  • Follow the manufacturer's procedures for assembly and disassembly of scaffold systems.
  • Ensure that scaffolding is properly connected and braced to prevent side sway.
  • Prior to using scaffolding, inspect the structure to ensure that it has not been altered.

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


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Fatality #4 for Metal/Nonmetal Mining 2009

April 11, 2009 06:35 by randy

On April 7, 2009, a 36 - year old supervisor with 15 years of experience was fatally injured at a sand and gravel dredging operation. The victim was attempting to connect the 4160 volt cable for the dredge to load side terminals in the electrical panel when he came into contact with energized 4160 volt line side terminals. 

Best Practices

Before YOU perform electrical work:
  • Be trained and knowledgeable in the task.
  • Be trained on all the electrical test and safety equipment necessary to safely test and ground the circuit being worked on.
  • Use properly rated Personal Protective Equipment including Arc Flash Protection such as a hood, gloves, shirt, and pants.
  • Positively identify the circuit on which work is to be conducted.
  • De-energize power and ensure that the circuit is visibly open.
  • Place YOUR lock and tag on the disconnecting device.
  • Verify the circuit is de-energized by testing for voltage using properly rated test equipment.
  • Ensure all electrical components in the cabinet are de-energized.
  • Ground ALL phase conductors to the equipment grounding medium with grounding equipment that is properly rated.

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


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Fatality #5 for Metal/Nonmetal Mining 2009

February 23, 2009 06:27 by randy

On February 19, 2009, a 61 year-old laborer with 12 years of experience was injured at a sand and gravel operation when he was struck by a crane's falling boom. The crane was lifting a crusher and the victim was acting as a signalman when the accident occurred. He was hospitalized and died on April 12, 2009, as a result of his injuries. 

Best Practices
  • Prior to attempting a lift, know the weight of the load (including the load block and rigging) and make sure it is less than the crane's lifting capacity for the required reach. Refer to applicable load charts.
  • Perform a thorough pre-operational inspection of the crane and rigging components.
  • Stay clear of a crane's overhead boom and do not work beneath a suspended load.
  • Always be certain that the object being lifted is completely detached from its supporting structure prior to attempting a lift.
  • Insure that the crane turntable is level prior to lifting.
  • Make sure the load is aligned directly beneath the centerline of the boom to prevent side loading.
  • Confirm that the load will not exceed the allowable capacity of the rigging.
  • Follow the crane manufacturer's recommendations when making structural repairs and use certified welders.

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


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Fatality #3 for Metal/Nonmetal Mining 2009

February 4, 2009 06:14 by randy

METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On January 31, 2009, a 40 year-old contractor technician with 36 weeks of experience was fatally injured at an alumina milling operation. He was cleaning hydrate that had built up inside a 30-inch pipe in the plant. The victim was using a high pressure water hose when the unrestrained hose end and attachment blew out of the pipe. He was struck by the water. 

Best Practices
  • Establish, review, and follow procedures to ensure all hazards are identified and controls are used to protect persons before beginning work.
  • Train persons on hazards and safe work procedures for high pressure water cleaning.
  • Ensure that operators are in a safe position and have control of their equipment at all times.
  • Install barricades or warning signs to prohibit access.
  • Follow equipment manufacturers' operating instructions.
  • Provide emergency stop/depressurization control.
  • Maintain sight or voice communications between person operating the high pressure nozzle and person operating the controls.
  • Use special protective equipment and clothing.
  • Contractor and mine management should routinely monitor work activities to ensure safe operating procedures are followed and persons are protected from hazards.

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


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Fatality #2 for Metal/Nonmetal Mining 2009

January 21, 2009 06:08 by randy

On January 17, 2009, a 48 year-old mill operator with 22 weeks of experience was fatally injured at a crushed stone milling operation. The victim was loading material into a hopper with a front-end loader. He entered the hopper to dislodge frozen bridged material that would not feed onto the belt conveyor below. Coworkers found the victim engulfed in the hopper. 

Best Practices
  • Establish and review procedures to ensure all possible hazards have been identified and appropriate controls are in place to protect persons before beginning work.
  • Train miners in safe work procedures and hazard recognition, specifically when clearing blocked hoppers.
  • Lock out discharge operating controls.
  • Ensure a safety harness properly secured to a lanyard is worn and a second person is positioned outside to adjust the lanyard.
  • Management should routinely monitor these activities to ensure miners are protected from possible hazards.
  • Provide vibrating shakers to maintain material flow or mechanical means of safely removing material if hoppers experience recurring flow problems.

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


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Fatality #1 for Metal/Nonmetal Mining 2009

January 10, 2009 05:52 by randy

On January 6, 2009, a 41 year-old laborer with 3 years of experience was injured at a sand and gravel operation. The victim was operating a skid steer loader underneath a belt conveyor that was being dismantled. Two coworkers were in an elevated manlift removing a 12-foot piece of 4-inch metal tubing from the leg supports of the belt conveyor frame. The tubing fell into the front of the skid steer loader as it approached the work area, striking the victim. He was hospitalized and died on January 9, 2009. The red line shows the original location of the tubing.

Best Practices
  • Establish and review procedures to ensure all possible hazards have been identified and appropriate controls are in place to protect persons before beginning work. Discuss procedures with all persons present in the work area.
  • Establish policies to ensure that barricades or warning signs are installed to prohibit access and protect persons from falling object hazards.
  • Remove all persons from beneath the area where overhead work is being performed.

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


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2008 TRAM My Workshop and Eduwhere

October 15, 2008 15:13 by randy



The winning team design their noise barrier in my Hearing Conservation Challenge workshop where I shared a hands-on activity to motivate workers to protect their hearing. In spite of the various technical issues at the start we had a good time.

John gets a much needed break from exhibiting at the Eduwhere booth after shaking hands with the Governor of West Virginia. There were more exhibitors than ever this year. Eduwhere provides the MSHA on-line training that I wrote, plus many other subjects on hazardous materials, osha, and more.  


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2008 TRAM Trails and Trailblazers

October 14, 2008 21:33 by randy

After breakfast, registering, and a nice brisk walk on the nature trail that runs the perimeter of the Mine Safety Academy I attended a meeting for presenters, had lunch and then attended the keynote adress of acting Assistant Secretary, Richard Stickler. Whew! Richard made a short presentation about new initiatives that will be coming from MSHA and then spent a long time answering questions from the packed auditorium. 

 



The meeting ended with presentations of awards for the training materials competition and attendees dismissed for a reception and time at the exhibits.

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2008 TRAM at the Mine Safety Academy

October 14, 2008 05:59 by randy

Greetings from the Mine Safety Academy. I arrived here yesterdayand settled in. I'll try to post a report on what's going on. I just returned from the breakfast at the cafeteria and registration hasn't yet opened. I'll check in later to get a schedule and see what slots I got for my presentation on Wednesday and Thursday. At 11 I have to attend a session on the new smartboards that have been placed in all the rooms. I'll post more later.


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And the Survey says...

September 4, 2008 10:36 by randy

We just added an exciting new feature to our email lists and web page. We will be asking your opinion from time to time on important safety issues and your needs for training and materials. AND we'll be having some fun with it too with an occasional silly poll or so.

You can participate in the current one by clicking here. It asks three simple questions about what training, materials, and seminars you need for your safety issues.

One thing that will make even the serious surveys fun is that you get to see how everyone else responded. Find out if you're normal or more like me.


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That's HOW many compressions???

July 28, 2008 11:27 by randy

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Tire Safety Web Page

July 15, 2008 12:19 by randy
Our friends to the north in Canada have a nice page on tire safety that may be good for training or even some Off-the-Job training materials. There's lots of technical information presented inn a friendly manner and even fact sheets including one on Tire Inflation Facts: Proper tire inflation contributes to cleaner air, protects your family and saves you money, a perfect title for the newly GREEN and GAS PRICE battered drivers. Check it out at the links and at www.betiresmart.ca. Let us know what you find and how you use it or if you have any other links to share.

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Welcome to Our Blog!

July 11, 2008 21:06 by randy
Alot has been going on at Complete Safety Solutions. There is a new assistant, new courses and services in the works, and right here, a new blog! We will be posting information and links concerning mining and construction safety... and some that are just plain fun. Join us here for safety news and ideas. Join in the conversation by posting a comment. Participate. Bookmark us.

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