Key Questions
The following key questions are answered in this module:
What are some of the most common surface mining fatalaties caused by?
According to MSHA, over half of all fatalities at surface mines commonly involve powered haulage and machinery.
What are some ways to reduce injuries and fatalaties caused by mobile equipment?
To reduce injuries and fatalaties caused by mobile equipment, follow the rules of the road and obey all traffic and warning signs, communicate clearly with equipment operators, stay out of equipment blind spots, and avoid pinch and crush points.
How wide should haul roads be?
Haul roads should be wide enough so that each lane of travel provides clearance on both sides, equal to one-half the width of the widest vehicle in use.
What are blind spots?
"Blind spots" are areas where the operator's view is blocked by the equipment itself.
What are pinch and crush points?
Pinch points, sometimes called "crush points," are dangerous areas within which a worker or a worker's body parts may be crushed by equipment or machinery.
How do I reduce the risk of injury from stationary equipment?
The risk of injury from stationary equipment is drastically reduced when contact is completely avoided or when the machinery is safely and securely stopped, de-energized, blocked, and locked and tagged out.
What are emergency stop cords and what are they designed to do?
Emergency stop cords are safety measures used to prevent injury from moving machine parts and are designed to deactivate the machine if a worker pulls the cord or falls onto it while leaning into a dangerous area.