MSHA releases a seasonal safety alert

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) released a seasonal safety alert for mines and quarries this fall as they prepare for the winter season by performing annual shutdown or repair activities.

According to MSHA, equipment fatalities and injuries tend to increase at mines and quarries during the fall. MSHA says the increase might be because workers perform less familiar tasks in the fall, and staff levels typically decrease. Potential hazardous tasks at mines and quarries in the fall include disassembling conveyors, accessing pumping stations, rebuilding crushers and screens, rigging equipment, towing equipment and winterizing sand wash facilities.

MSHA listed the following best practices for mine and quarry producers as they enter the fall season:

• Identify hazards at the mine or quarry with workplace exams
• Control hazards by creating a detailed work plan
• Provide effective task training based on that work plan
• Lock out and block equipment against hazardous motions
• Provide workers with necessary personal protective equipment