Shuttle Car Operator fatality at West Ridge Mine (West Ridge Resources Inc), UT, September 16, 2014

EE was operating the company #24-43 Wagner ST 2DS Can-setter at x-cut #11 in B Canyon,#2 entry in the 23rd East intake. When the victim was found, he was unconscious & unresponsive, his mid torso was pinned in the articulation area of the machine. His feet were in the cab & he was seated in the seat. CPR was administered. The victim was pronounced dead upon arriving on the surface.

On Tuesday, September 16, 2014, at approximately 1:30 a.m., mobile equipment operator Alejandro Ramirez (victim) was fatally injured when the Wagner ST-2DS mobile diesel can-setter he was operating, articulated and crushed his exposed upper body. The victim’s fatal injuries were the result of his body being caught between the cab frame and the water make-up tank frame.

1. Mine management failed to ensure that proper pre-operational examinations were completed prior to diesel equipment being placed into service. The Wagner involved in the fatal accident was found with a major steering defect after the two most recent pre-operational examinations were conducted and no defects were found.

   Corrective action: Management has instituted a more comprehensive preventative maintenance program that addresses repair and examination requirements, including monitoring the weekly and pre-operational examinations. The training has been completed. Accountability for the equipment inspections has been emphasized in a new, written program.

2. Mine management failed to ensure a proper and comprehensive weekly exam was properly performed.

   Corrective action: Management has instituted a more comprehensive preventative maintenance program that addresses repair and examination requirements, including monitoring the weekly and pre-operational examinations. Training has been completed. Accountability for the equipment inspections has been emphasized in a new, written program.

Findings from MSHA's final investigation report, which supersedes the preliminary narrative above.

Activity at time of incident

Load-Haul-Dump (Ug)

Subunit / location

UNDERGROUND

Underground location

INTERSECTION

Mining method

Other

Accident type

Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Source of injury

MINE JEEP,KERSEY,JITNEY

Nature of injury

CRUSHING

Body part affected

TRUNK, MULTIPLE PARTS

Total mining experience

10 years

Experience at this mine

5 years

Experience in this job

0 years

Degree of injury

FATALITY

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