Key Questions
The following key questions are answered in this module:
Why is wearing a seat belt important when operating mobile equipment at surface mines?
Accident investigation statistics report that a majority of the mobile equipment fatalities at surface mines involve victims who had access to seat belts but were not wearing them.
What are some ways to improve communication when working around mining equipment?
Using sight, sound, and telecommunications. This can include confirming eye contact to ensure that an equipment operator is aware of your presence, sounding the horn before starting it or putting it in motion, and using radios and phones to communicate effectively.
What are some of the dangers of working with equipment around highwalls?
Working with equipment around highwalls can be especially dangerous due to unexpected rock slides or falling material that can seriously or fatally injure miners and damage equipment.
What are some of the dangers of refueling mobile equipment?
Refueling mobile equipment can put workers at risk of exposure to harmful fumes, as well as fire and explosion hazards from flammable and combustible liquids.
What are some of the dangers of improperly parked or unsecured mobile equipment?
Improperly parked or unsecured mobile equipment can unexpectedly move or roll, posing pinch and crush hazards to workers and potentially damaging property.
What are some of the dangers of working around stationary equipment?
Working around stationary equipment, including conveyors, crushers, classifiers, hoppers, and generators, can expose miners or others on-site to hazardous machine motion and energy.
What are some of the dangers of working around high amounts of dust?
Dry, dusty conditions can put miners and others on-site at risk of developing a respiratory illness or disease. With prolonged exposure, miners can develop an irreversible and potentially deadly condition known as silicosis.