Arlington, VA — A recent string of fatalities involving miners operating bulldozers has prompted the Mine Safety and Health Administration to issue a safety alert.
The alert details three different incidents in which a bulldozer operator not wearing a seat belt suffered fatal injuries. In two of the instances, the bulldozer rolled down an embankment of at least 300 feet. In the other, the operator backed over the edge of a highwall.
MSHA offers best practices for bulldozer operators:
- Conduct workplace examinations before starting work.
- Maintain control and stay alert when operating mobile equipment.
- Wear a seat belt when operating equipment.
- Train miners to safely perform tasks and recognize potential hazards.
