Since 1983, seven miners have died and over fifty were permanently disabled from slips or falls while climbing up on large surface mining equipment.
Foul weather magnifies the hazards.
It takes very little ice, rain or mud to make the climb many times more hazardous. If the equipment operator has to carry a lunch box, water jug, tool kit, logbook, or other objects up the steps, the hazards increase. The Mine Safety and Health Administration would like to share a couple of easy, inexpensive safety remedies with you that could lead to a safer workplace. If the space in the box permits, a can of de-icer, and even a bottle of glass cleaner for mirrors, windows, or camera lenses could be added. Make the line long enough so that the end is also accessible from the ground.