Warehouseman

Employee was placing removable legs on a transfer conveyor. Conveyor was held in place by a loader. Removable leg fell and struck employee in the face, fatally injuring the employee.

Texto original en inglés de la MSHA

Scott A. Armstrong, Crusher Operator, age 41, was killed on December 8, 2011, when a wheel strut axle assembly struck him. The wheel assembly was to be installed on a conveyor to transport it from the mine site. A front-end loader was used to lift the conveyor. The loader bucket suddenly dropped, allowing the frame of the conveyor to strike the wheel assembly. The wheel assembly shifted, striking Armstrong. The accident occurred due to management's failure to have procedures in place to ensure equipment is taken out of service or properly repaired when defects affecting safety are found. Investigators determined the cold temperatures at the time of the accident affected the performance of the main control valve of the front-end loader's hydraulic system. Other factors contributing to the accident include Armstrong's position near a suspended load, no blocking in place to prevent the fall of the conveyor, and Armstrong not being task trained regarding the installation of the wheel strut axle assembly.

1. Management's policies, procedures, and controls failed to effectively protect Armstrong from the suspended conveyor while he attempted to guide the wheel assembly into the conveyor strut. Suitable blocking or other effective means was not provided. Management did not task train Armstrong regarding the health and safety hazards associated with lifting/rigging a conveyor.

   Acción correctiva: Management established policies, procedures, and controls to ensure persons are not exposed to suspended loads when lifting conveyor components. Management trained all persons to identify hazards and eliminate them before beginning to lift conveyors.

2. Management failed to ensure any defects on equipment affecting safety be corrected in a timely manner.

   Acción correctiva: Management established and implemented policies, procedures, and controls requiring any defects affecting safety be corrected or the equipment removed from service.

Hallazgos del informe final de investigación de la MSHA, que sustituye la narrativa preliminar anterior.

Actividad al momento del incidente

Handling Supplies Or Material

Subunidad / ubicación

STRIP, QUARY, OPEN PIT

Tipo de accidente

Golpeado por objeto que cae

Fuente de la lesión

BELT CONVEYORS

Naturaleza de la lesión

FRACTURE,CHIP

Parte del cuerpo afectada

HEAD, MULTIPLE PARTS

Experiencia minera total

9 years

Experiencia en esta mina

9 years

Experiencia en este puesto

9 years

Grado de la lesión

FATALITY