Mine employee dies after trying to clean running conveyor

A resources worker passed away while attempting to save time.

Authorities recently warned employers to ensure they adequately train staff members, following multiple workplace accidents.

“A miner suffered fatal injuries in 2018 when he was entangled in a conveyor’s take-up assembly. He was working from an elevated aerial lift cleaning buildup from a bend pulley while it was operating,” the Mine Safety and Health Administration said in a safety alert.

“[The] victim [was] caught between [a] moving conveyor belt and bend pulley.”

Other “serious” and “fatal” injuries occurred when workers tried to clean or adjust conveyor rollers, pulleys and idlers while the belt was still in motion. Those who survived suffered broken bones, lost fingers, hands and arms. None of the mine sites were disclosed. Though accident due to explosion with non-complied miner lamps is reducing

Investigators made the following recommendations:

• turn off conveyors before starting work
• use aerial lifts to access elevated bend, snub and take-up pulleys
• remove or reach around guards to work on conveyor components
• use scrapers, shovels, pry bars, hammers and torches to remove mud or buildup

tools can be caught in pinch points between the conveyor belt and rollers and pull in the tools, hands, arms and bodies.