Pit & Quarry, April 2010

Law Continued from page 42 mechanical problem suddenly fails or when hoist ropes or tow lines are not of sufficient strength MSHA is enforcing standards prohibiting use of equipment beyond design capacity That is why safety standards require people to stay clear of suspended loads That is why lockout of machinery and blocking of equipment being worked on is so important Miners have been electrocuted when circuits are not deenergized IT IS IMPORTANT TO REMIND MINERS THAT INATTENTION CAN BE DEADLY AND SHORT CUTTING THAT COMPROMISES SAFETY IS ALWAYS WRONG SUPERVISORS NEED TO BE REMINDED THAT THEY MUST SET A GOOD EXAMPLE AND THAT EVERY MOMENT THEY SPEND HELPING A CREW MEMBER DO HIS OR HER JOB IN A SAFE MANNER IS INVALUABLE while work is performed on or near them Truckers and crane operators have been electrocuted when raised truck beds and booms have contacted live wires Workers have been killed when a coworker energizes machinery that should have been locked out by the person working on it Workers have been killed using a shovel or hammer to test or adjust belt rollers on energized conveyors MSHA is inspecting for failure to comply with lockout tag out requirements Miners have been killed when brakes could not stop or hold trucks because the brakes were not in good repair or not adequate for the load being hauled the grade being traveled or the location where the vehicle is parked MSHA is enforcing requirements related to brakes including parking brakes The potential for loss of control of equipment for any number of potential causes including driver error is also why MSHA is insisting on strict compliance with seat belt standards And to ensure control of parked equipment MSHA requires transmissions to be in the park position and that parking brakes be engaged and also chocking of equipment parked on any grade Miners have been killed from exposure to loose or unstable ground conditions that have not been taken down or supported MSHA is monitoring for deviations from ground control requirements to avoid injury to people who work or travel anywhere that they could be endangered Beyond targeted standards In my 35 years worth of experience with accident investigations I can say the precautions being enforced by MSHA are those that every company should focus on every day Many fatal accidents can be attributed to employees trying to do a good job but without thinking of consequences and without being mindful of how they are proceeding and what risks are involved Apart from any mandatory standard it is important to remind miners that inattention can be deadly and short cutting that compromises safety is always wrong Supervisors need to be reminded that they must set a good example and that every moment they spend helping a crew member do his or her job in a safe manner is invaluable Sometimes we think crew members know better but maybe they do not maybe they forget or maybe they think following the rule is not that important That is why they need to be reminded The company needs to stress that it is always important It saves lives Legal editor Michael T Heenan is an attorney at Ogletree Deakins Nash Smoak Stewart one of the nations largest labor and safety law firms He can be reached at michael heenan@ odnss com DIAMONDBACK URETHANE PRODUCTS The Abrasion Fighter Since 1969 Bailey Parks Urethane has been providing solutions for the most difficult wear problems We understand the unique abrasion problems that bulk aggregate conveying facilities face If you handle sand gravel crushed aggregate or other abrasive materials we can help keep your machinery running with wear resistant products like Spout and Chute Liners Slurry Sealer Wipers Belt Wipers Impact Pads Wedgie Bolts Classifier Shoes Deflector Nozzles Hopper Liners Custom Molded Products Bailey Parks is a family values company made up of honest dependable hard working men and women We appreciate each and every opportunity you give us to prove our worth to you Give us a call today Solutions Not Problems 1 800 238 7638 184 Gilbert Avenue Memphis Tennessee 38106 www baileyparks com sales@ baileyparks com 44 PIT QUARRY April 2010 www pitandquarry com