Aggregates Manager Digital Magazine
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/85660
SAFETY WATCH Inspect Roof and Rib compiled by Therese Dunphy, Editor-in-Chief Before beginning a shift, carefully examine roof, face, and rib conditions. From 2000 to 2008, there were 11 fatalities in metal/non-metal mines related to roof and rib or top and back accidents. To help alleviate risks, a roof control plan should be developed and followed throughout the mine's lifecycle. This plan should provide an adequate amount of overburden, address mines above or below active workings, and be revised and updated to reflect changing conditions. To ensure safe work practices on a daily basis, don't begin work until a risk assessment has been completed and until the roof conditions of the work zone have been checked. A thorough examination of the roof, face, and ribs should be conducted before traveling through areas and entering work zones. Best practices • Examine and test ground conditions in areas where work is to be performed prior to work commencing and as ground conditions warrant during the shift. • Be alert to any changes of ground conditions. • Identify and scale loose ground from a location which will not expose persons to falling material. • Use scaling equipment with sufficient reach to prevent per- sons from exposure to falling material. • Take down or support ground that creates a hazard to min- ers before performing other work or travel in the affected area. • When ground conditions create a hazard to miners, install ground support before other work is permitted in the affected area. • Design and use mining methods that will maintain stability and control the ground in places where persons work or travel. Information from this Safety Watch is from an actual accident and is provided by the Mine Safety and Health AGGREGATES MANAGER September 2012 On Oct. 17, 2008, a 45-year-old scaler operator with eight years of experience was fatally injured at an underground stone mine. He was inside the cab operating a track- mounted excavator with a scaling attachment when a rock fall occurred. A rock, about 13 inches wide by 26 inches long by 4½ inches thick, fell from the back. Rescuers recovered the victim about seven hours after the rock fell. Administration. It is meant for general information purposes only. Sponsored by • Slow down or drop to a lower gear when necessary. Post areas where lower speeds are warranted. • Always wear a seatbelt when operating self-propelled mobile equipment. • Ensure that equipment operators maintain adequate communications. AM and share with your plant personnel Tear this out