Aggregates Manager Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/120734
SAFETY WATCH out Tear this ith your w e and sharpersonnel plant Use Fall Protection When working in elevated spaces, a full body harness may be your best friend. compiled by Therese Dunphy, Editor-in-Chief tdunphy@randallreilly.com Slips and falls of mining personnel are a major cause of accidents in the mining industry. From 2000 to 2008, 72 coal, metal, and non-metal workers were fatally injured from falls. In 25 of these accidents, hazardous conditions occurred at elevated work surfaces, such as at floor access openings or walkways, where there were insufficient guardrails, barriers, floor covers, or fall protection wasn't used. In addition to these fatalities, thousands of workers require medical attention each year due to slips and falls at mine sites. Fall protection is an essential part of protecting workers in elevated areas, preferably through the use of a full body harness, which provides multiple points of contact to distribute forces should a fall occur. To safeguard workers, use the following best practices. • Inspect the work areas for all potential hazards, including places that persons may fall from or through. • Take time to plan the work to safely perform the job. • Always use fall protection when working where a fall hazard exists. • Protect floor openings and leading edges near travel ways by installing guardrails or barriers in addition to warning signs. • Keep temporary access opening covers or railings secured in place. Immediately reinstall access covers when not bringing items through the opening. • Position ladders to ensure their stability and to eliminate trip hazards. • Always face the ladder when climbing or working from a ladder. Information from this Safety Watch is from an actual accident and is provided by the Mine Safety and Health AGGREGATES MANAGER April 2013 • Do not lean to reach items while standing on a ladder. • Always maintain three points of contact with the ladder when climbing. AM On June 12, 2010, a 46-year-old contract welder was fatally injured at a crushed stone operation. He was preparing to weld on an overhead ventilation duct. He used a ladder to access the duct, which was located above a platform approximately 45 feet from the ground. He was not wearing fall protection and fell from the ladder over the handrail to the ground below. Administration. It is meant for general information purposes only. Sponsored by