A miner fell from 7.5 feet from a jaw crusher work platform and received a serious head injury – in a serious accident alert issued by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). The victim was in the process of removing an electric motor when the lift chain slipped, chasing the motor to drop and strike him. The provided handrail was not in place where the miner fell.
MSHA has released Best Practice guidelines following the accident
- Protect openings near travelways by installing railings, barriers, or covers.
- Ensure covers or railings protecting temporary access openings are secured in place at all times when an opening is not being used.
- Provide readily visible warning signs that clearly display the nature of the hazard and any protective action required.
- Wear fall protection where there is a danger of falling.
- Establish and discuss safe work procedures. Identify and control all hazards to finish the job safely.
- Train all persons, especially workplace examiners, to recognize and understand safe job procedures before beginning work. Communicate and correct hazards in a timely manner.
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