MSHA reported that on Oct. 9, a 60-ton haul truck was dumping a load of material when the dump point sloughed off, causing the haul truck to slide down and overturn, coming to rest upside down 15 ft. below. The driver was rescued from the truck through the side window of the cab with minor injuries.
MSHA recommends the following best practices to avoid this type of accident:
- Conduct workplace examinations before work begins and as ground conditions warrant during the work shift to identify hazardous conditions, especially after heavy rain, or other significant weather changes.
- Dump material at a safe distance from the edge and push the material over the edge with a bulldozer. Clearly mark dumping locations with reflectors and/or markers.
- Do not remove material from the toe of stockpiles when it would create instability at dumping locations.
- Always wear a seatbelt when operating mobile equipment: remain inside the cab; never attempt to jump clear.
- Train miners on recognizing dump-point hazards, taking appropriate corrective actions, and using safe dumping procedures.