# Presentation: 255821

## This presentation is for illustrative and general educational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for the official MSHA Investigation Report analysis nor is it intended to provide the sole foundation, if any, for any related enforcement actions. 

## GENERAL INFORMATION

- Operator:		Central Appalachia Mining, LLC
- Contractor:	Whayne Supply Co. (AZ5)
- Mine:		Point Rock PlantAccident Date:	April 21, 2005
- Classification: 	Powered Haulage
- Location: 		Dist. 6, Pike County, KY
- Mine Type: 	Preparation Plant
- Employment:	16

## ACCIDENT DESCRIPTION

- At approximately 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 21, 2005, a 22-year-old field technician (contractor) was fatally injured when he was caught between the articulating front and rear sections of a front end loader.  He was working alone and was positioned in the articulation area on the right side (facing forward) of a front end loader.  While performing repairs to the steering system, the machine articulated, closing the area where he was positioned which resulted in fatal crushing injuries.

- Hydraulic Oil Puddle

## CONCLUSION

- The accident occurred because a safe work procedure was not followed to secure and block the loader from motion prior to the victim entering the articulation area to repair the steering system. The established safe work procedure, specified by the manufacturer, was not followed. The steering frame lock, a safety device which disables the articulating capability of the loader, was not engaged. Neither was any alternative safe work procedure followed to prevent unintended motion.

- Hydraulic Oil Puddle

## ROOT CAUSE ANALYSIS

_*Causal Factor*_: The standards, policies, and administrative controls used by the contractor did not ensure that safe job procedures were followed at all times. The procedure specified by the manufacturer was not followed and no alternative procedure was used to block the machine from motion when the employee entered the articulation area. _*Corrective Action*_: The contractor developed a written procedure to prevent a recurrence of the accident. Alternative procedures to prevent motion of the machine are to be implemented prior to performing repair work which requires an employee to enter the articulation area.

## ENFORCEMENT ACTION

- A §104(a) Citation was issued to Whayne Supply Co . for violation of §77.404(c). The field technician/victim entered the articulation point of the 980G loader without shutting off the machine and engaging the steering frame lock or otherwise blocking the machine from motion.

## BEST PRACTICES
Never work or travel in the loader's articulation area without engaging the steering frame lock or without using another effective means of preventing motion if the lock cannot be used. 
Lower the bucket and shut-off the machine before performing maintenance. 
Follow the manufacturer's guidelines and recommended procedures for safe repair and maintenance of equipment. 
Observe and follow all warning labels and signs on equipment. 
Include safe procedures for repair and maintenance of equipment in training programs. 

- Never work or travel in the loader's articulation area without engaging the steering frame lock or without using another effective means of preventing motion if the lock cannot be used.
- Lower the bucket and shut-off the machine before performing maintenance.
- Follow the manufacturer's guidelines and recommended procedures for safe repair and maintenance of equipment.
- Observe and follow all warning labels and signs on equipment.
- Include safe procedures for repair and maintenance of equipment in training programs.