Haulage drivers need to follow safe dumping protocol: MSHA

Arlington, VA — Miners who dump cargo from haulage vehicles, be advised: Always inspect ground conditions and dump material at a safe distance from the edge.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration offers that guidance in a safety alert stemming from a recent incident in which a haul truck driver was rescued after a rollover incident. 

The dump point sloughed off, causing the truck to slide and overturn. The truck came to rest 15 feet below, where the driver was rescued from the cab’s side window after sustaining minor injuries.

Other MSHA best practices for dumping cargo:

• Be especially mindful of rain and other weather changes when conducting workplace examinations.
• When dumping, push material over the edge with a bulldozer. Mark dumping locations clearly with reflectors and/or markers.
• Don’t remove material from the toe of stockpiles if it would make dumping locations unstable.
• Wear a seat belt when operating equipment and remain inside the cab. Don’t attempt to jump clear.
• Train miners on how to recognize dump-point hazards, take appropriate corrective actions and follow safe dumping procedures.