SAFETY
Exit a Mine Carefully
How you exit a mine and drive on the roads near a mine can be important to the home owners, farmers, businesses, and other drivers in the local community. Some mines will require wheel washing to reduce dust and track out from the mine. When exiting onto public roads, be careful to avoid on-coming traffic. Use common road courtesy with other drivers when exiting the mine.
Get Mine Site Training
MSHA requires that truckers travelling onto a mine get training on the specific hazards of that mine. To learn how to get this training, contact the scale house or company office. This training generally includes an overview of mine safety and specific hazards that truckers should be aware of.
Penalties
Truckers that don’t follow the safety rules can be subject to penalties. Mines can prohibit a trucker from returning. MSHA and FHP can issue fines for violations. MSHA can issue citations to the mine operator or trucking company for violations.
More importantly, serious injuries or death can result when safety rules are not followed on a mine site.
What Are The Hazards?
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Heavy equipment and vehicle traffic, Including loaders, stacker belts, excavators, haul trucks, Fuel truck, pickup trucks and Maintenance traffic.
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Miners and others working at ground level, often near heavy traffic areas.
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Obstructed Visibility. Mines have large vehicles, equipment, and stockpiles that obstruct views in the plant or on roads. Dust and night operations can also reduce visibility.
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Elevated, steep, and narrow roadways
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Falling rock from mine walls, slope failures, or unstable stockpiles
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Overhead wiring and other electrical
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Moving parts on plants and conveyors
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Tripping and falling hazards for drivers from debris, rocks, uneven surfaces, and equipment.
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Water hazards, such as retention ponds and other water bodies.
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Explosives and blasting activity at the mine! Stay in your vehicle. Hard hats are required in all areas!
Here are a few general rules and procedures to protect yourself and other workers at a mine.
Stay In Your Trucks
Stay in your truck! Every time a driver steps out of their truck, the hazards for a driver increase. If you do get out of your truck, wear hard hats, safety glasses, vests, and other protective equipment. Getting out of your truck is only tolerated outside of the mining area.
Headlights ON
A good safety practice is to drive with your headlights on while driving in a mine site.
Do Not Climb on Trucks!
Every time a trucker climbs on a truck there is a possibility for a fall. Even falling 6 feet can kill you. Most mines prohibit climbing on trucks or trailers. Here are some options to consider:
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Use a tarping system that can be operated from the cab or ground.
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Request assistance from a loader operator to adjust or level the load.
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Utilize a loading structure, if available, to rake the load. If necessary, remember to use safety harnesses to avoid a fall.
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Only tarp or trim loads in designated areas.