MSHA announces mobile equipment rule

The U.S. Department of Labor announced a final rule from its Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) to help protect miners from accidents, injuries and fatalities related to surface mobile equipment. The rule requires mine operators to have written safety programs for surface mobile equipment – excluding belt conveyors – at surface mines and underground mines’ surface areas. The programs…

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MSHA reports 31st fatality of 2023

MSHA reported that on Sept. 8, a miner at Clyde Holding’s Sewickley Mine, Indiana, Pa., died after entering a hopper to clear an obstruction. A front-end loader dumped two loads of crushed limestone into the hopper with the miner inside. This is the 31st fatality reported in 2023, and the seventh classified as “Powered Haulage.” MSHA recommends the following best…

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SEEING IN THE DARK

Heavy mobile equipment operating in the confined spaces of an underground mine poses a serious safety hazard. Proximity detection and collision avoidance systems can play an important role in mitigating that risk. By Jonathan Rowland One of the biggest safety risks in an underground mining operation is the interaction between mobile assets and personnel. “The risk exposure in this area…

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ICMM releases annual member safety report

The International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) released a report in late July that benchmarks the 2022 safety performance of its 26 company members. Tragically, 33 employees or contractors of its members lost their lives at work last year. ICMM compiles, analyses and publishes the safety data provided annually by company members, which collectively represent a third of the…

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MSHA reports on 10th, 11th, 12th fatalities of year

MSHA reported that on March 15, a miner at Vulcan Materials’ Fort Pierce Mine in St Lucie County, Fla., drowned when the ground sloughed, causing the excavator he was operating to topple into a water-filled pit. The excavator became submerged in approximately 25 feet of water. It was the 12th fatality reported in 2023, and the fourth classified as Machinery. …

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Brigade Electronics introduces new sensor fusion system

Brigade Electronics has unveiled its latest safety solution: the Brigade Fusion system.  Its sensor fusion technology combines Brigade’s range of safety devices, including its 360-degree camera, radar obstacle detection and M2M RTLS technology, to predict collisions providing the operator with appropriate and timely alerts and, if required, signal the machine to prevent movement, slow down or stop entirely in the…

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Johnson Controls releases ANSUL LVS NF-40 agent

Wisconsin-headquartered Johnson Controls has launched its latest innovation in fire protection technology: ANSUL LVS NF-40 Non-Fluorinated Liquid Suppression Agent for vehicle systems.  The new LVS NF-40 Agent provides superior protection against Class A and B fires for mobile equipment in mining, forestry, agriculture, construction and other industries. The agent features an operating temperature range of -40°F to 140°F (-40°C to…

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MSHA Reports Eighth Fatality

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) reported that on Feb. 28, a contract miner died when he was crushed between the rib and a single boom face drill. The victim was alongside the drill using the onboard tram lever controls when the accident occurred because the remote control was inoperable. This is the eighth fatality reported in 2022, and…

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