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.

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.

   Corrective action: 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.

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

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

Activity at time of incident

Handling Supplies Or Material

Subunit / location

STRIP, QUARY, OPEN PIT

Accident type

Struck by falling object

Source of injury

BELT CONVEYORS

Nature of injury

FRACTURE,CHIP

Body part affected

HEAD, MULTIPLE PARTS

Total mining experience

9 years

Experience at this mine

9 years

Experience in this job

9 years

Degree of injury

FATALITY