Washer Operator

Wash plant operator was operating a front-end loader during the overnight shift as normal. EE exited the loader and entered the hopper filled with sand the EE had just dumped. EE was fatally injured when they were engulfed in the sand, as it vibrated to the bottom of the hopper. EE may have entered the hopper to try to retrieve two pieces of metal inadvertently dumped into hopper.

Texto original en inglés de la MSHA

On December 19, 2016, Richard Anderson (victim), a 62-year old Wash Plant Operator, was fatally injured when he entered the wash plant hopper and became engulfed in sand. The accident occurred because the mine operator did not ensure that employees used safe and required methods when entering the hopper. The supply and discharge equipment had not been locked out; the victim was not wearing a safety belt or harness equipped with a lifeline suitably fastened. A second similarly equipped person was not present to maintain minimum slack.

1. The mine operator did not ensure the safety of employees by requiring specific procedures for entering the hopper. The supply and discharge equipment had not been locked out, and the victim was not wearing a safety belt or harness equipped with a lifeline suitably fastened. A second similarly equipped person was not present to maintain minimum slack.

   Acción correctiva: The mine operator retrained all employees in proper procedures for working in and around chutes and hoppers. In addition, the mine operator fabricated and installed a grizzly at the top of the hopper opening to prevent persons and objects from entering the hopper interior.

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

Actividad al momento del incidente

Enter/Work In Bins, Silos

Subunidad / ubicación

STRIP, QUARY, OPEN PIT

Tipo de accidente

Atrapado en, bajo o entre material o edificaciones en colapso

Fuente de la lesión

SAND,GRAVEL,SHELL

Naturaleza de la lesión

SUFFOC,SMOK INHILAT,DROWN

Parte del cuerpo afectada

BODY SYSTEMS

Experiencia minera total

6 years

Experiencia en esta mina

6 years

Experiencia en este puesto

5 years

Grado de la lesión

FATALITY