A haul truck driver at Hallett Materials in Iowa drowned in an icy pond on the 25 January 2018 in a fatality alert issued by The Mine Safety and Health Administration. The truck became submerged in icy water after it travelled through a berm and into the pond. Tow trucks and rescue drivers recovered the truck and the victim.
Best Practices:
- Do not operate heavy equipment when fatigued. The effects of fatigue include tiredness, reduced energy, and physical or mental exhaustion. These conditions become progressively worse as fatigue increases.
- Maintain control and stay alert when operating mobile equipment. Monitor persons routinely to determine safe work procedures are followed.
- Conduct adequate pre-operational checks and correct any defects affecting safety in a timely manner prior to operating mobile equipment. Maintain equipment braking and steering systems in good repair and adjustment.
- Operate mobile equipment at speeds consistent with the conditions of roadways, tracks, grades, clearance, visibility, curves, and traffic.
- Ensure that berms are adequate for the vehicles present on site, including but not limited to height, material, and built on firm ground.
- Ensure that all exits from cabs on mobile equipment, including alternate and emergency exits, are maintained and operable.
- Use seat belts when operating mobile equipment.
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