MSHA fatality No. 14
September 14, 2010 By: Pit & Quarry Staff
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) reported the 14th fatality for calendar year 2010 in the metal/nonmetal segment of the mining industry. On Aug. 14, a 23-year-old dredge operator with four years of experience died at a sand and gravel dredging operation. The victim and another miner were pulling a small boat from a dredge pond onto a boat trailer attached to a pickup truck. When the boat slipped back into the water, the victim attempted to retrieve it and drowned. As of this date in 2009, there were also 14 fatalities reported in the metal/nonmetal segment. MSHA's best practices with regard to this incident are: Wear a life jacket where there is a danger from falling into water; review procedures to ensure all possible hazards have been identified and appropriate controls are in place to protect miners before beginning work; develop procedures for loading and unloading boats in dredge operations and conduct training; inspect equipment, including the winch and cable, prior to use and maintain in a safe condition; attach the trailer winch rope securely to the boat prior to removing from the water; and ensure that people working around water receive training for swimming. – Mark S. Kuhar
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