Front-End Loader

A front-end loader operator was attempting to clear a buildup of sand from a stacker conveyor belt's tailpiece when the operator's arm became entangled. The victim was air lifted to a trauma center where the victim died a week later.

Texto original en inglés de la MSHA

On Wednesday, July 29, 2020, at 10:10 a.m., Matt G. Blanchette, a 63-year-old Front-End Loader Operator with eight years of mining experience, became entangled in a moving belt conveyor. He was air-lifted to a trauma center where he died as a result of his injuries on August 5, 2020. The accident occurred because the mine operator did not: 1) ensure the guarding for the belt conveyor tailpiece remained in place when the belt conveyor was operating; 2) properly maintain the belt conveyor to prevent frequent spillage of material; 3) prevent work on the belt conveyor while it was in motion; 4) conduct adequate workplace examinations; and 5) ensure proper training was provided to the miners.

1. The mine operator did not ensure that guards were in place at all times when the plant was operating. The mine operator also did not prevent work on belt conveyors while in motion.

   Acción correctiva: The mine operator developed and implemented a written action plan to prevent similar occurrences. This plan includes: 1) a provision that all moving machine parts will be guarded; 2) training for all miners on the importance of guarding moving equipment and the hazards of working near a moving belt conveyor; 3) additional management oversight to ensure guarding is installed and maintained; and 4) a redesign of the guard involved in the accident to simplify the process of replacing it. The mine operator incorporated this action plan into the mine’s training program, and trained all miners at this mine in the action plan.

2. The mine operator did not properly maintain the sand conveyor to prevent a recurring buildup of material that required removal.

3. The mine operator did not comply with working place examination requirements. There were no records of examinations for any period of time found on mine property.

4. The mine operator did not have a training plan and did not provide new miner training to Blanchette when he began working at the mine.

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

Actividad al momento del incidente

Handling Coal, Rock, Ore

Subunidad / ubicación

STRIP, QUARY, OPEN PIT

Tipo de accidente

Atrapado en, bajo o entre objetos en movimiento o engranados

Fuente de la lesión

BELT CONVEYORS

Naturaleza de la lesión

CRUSHING

Parte del cuerpo afectada

ARM,NEC

Experiencia minera total

8 years

Experiencia en esta mina

8 years

Experiencia en este puesto

8 years

Grado de la lesión

FATALITY