MSHA Releases Safety Alert Regarding Underground Mobile Equipment -- Occupational Health & Safety

MSHA Releases Safety Alert Regarding Underground Mobile Equipment

Four serious accidents tied to such equipment happened in a matter of weeks.

By Robert Yaniz Jr.
Dec 06, 2023

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) recently distributed a safety alert tied to underground mobile equipment after three serious injuries and one fatality occurred.

According to MSHA’s statement, all four serious accidents took place in the span of just three weeks from Sept. 26 to Oct. 16, 2023. These incidents took place during coal mining operations, and each involved miners being pinned between the equipment and the coal rib, emphasizing the great need for safety protocols around the use of mobile equipment in underground mines.

To address this, MSHA shared some best practices to prevent such incidents. The agency emphasizes the maintenance of mobile equipment in safe operating condition and the removal of any equipment deemed unsafe from service. MSHA also advises avoiding pinch points and “Red Zone” areas, operating equipment from a safe location, greater communication among miners, audible warnings and additional safety training for miners using mobile equipment.

Additional safety information on operating underground mobile equipment, including underground powered haulage prevention practices, is on the MSHA’s Powered Haulage Safety Initiative website.

About the Author

Robert Yaniz Jr. is the Content Editor of Occupational Health & Safety.

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