Analysis of fatal accidents involving front-end loaders at metal and nonmetal mines, 1972-74

Technical Report · Wed Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1975

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5949047· OSTI ID:5949047

Oitto, R. H.; McLellan, R. R.

A critical accident trend has been identified which involves the front-end loader. The rubber-tired type of front-end loader that is widely used in metal and nonmetal mining is particularly involved in this trend. Eighteen fatal accidents occurred in 1972, 20 fatal accidents occurred in 1973, and 15 occurred in 1974. The sand and gravel industry accounted for 30 fatalities, or 56 percent of the total for the 36-month period of investigation. Analysis of the accident reports indicates that 74 percent of the total injuries probably could have been avoided had adequate protection been provided to the loader operator in the form of a roll-over protective structure (ROPS) and seat belts. More than half of the fatal accidents occurred as a result of backing off roadways or stockpiles and losing control of the loader while traveling downgrade. These accidents resulted in 31 fatalities, or 58 percent of the total for 1972-74. Usually, the loader overturned throwing the operator into the path of the machine. Operator error and lack of training are the primary factors in causing loader accidents. The analysis indicates that the installation of roll-over protection on the machines and the providing of adequate training for loader operators will contribute substantially towards a reduction of the accident rate.

• Research Organization: Mining Enforcement and Safety Administration, Denver, CO (USA). Health and Safety Analysis Center
• OSTI ID: 5949047
• Report Number(s): MESA-IR-1019; ON: DE83903049
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

570000* -- Health & Safety
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS
ACCIDENTS
DATA
DATA COMPILATION
EARTHMOVING EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
INFORMATION
MATERIALS HANDLING EQUIPMENT
MINES
MORTALITY
NUMERICAL DATA
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY
PERSONNEL
RECOMMENDATIONS
SAFETY
UNDERGROUND FACILITIES