MINE SAFETY RISK MANAGEMENT SERVICES

Regulatory Compliance Assistance

• MSHA Citation Conferences

• Attorney and Insurance Consultation

• Safety and Health Management Assistance
  

• Mining & General Industry Safety and Health Consulting

• Safety Training/Safety Meeting Presentations

• On-line assistance available for your compliance questions

Serving Mine Operators and Contractors in the MNM Mining Industry in the United States

Former (retired) U.S. Dept. of Labor/Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) Supervisory Mine Inspector with 24 1/2 years experience with the Mine Safety and Health Administration enforcement program; 32 years of safety and health experience, 29 years in supervision (including 15 years as Supervisory Mine Safety and Health Inspector), 9 years of safety and health compliance risk management consultation; and 45 years total mine-related and industry experiences.

I can help you be a success in safety enhanced productivity at your MSHA, or OSHA site. Get your assistance from someone who is actively out in the industry environment. Safety and health is serious business! Get the best assistance available anywhere!

Contact MRMS for your compliance needs

• Professional, experienced, and knowledgeable On-site Compliance Inspections
• Accident Investigations
• Supervisory 101 MSHA Training
• Supervisory Safety Mentoring inspection events
• Safety Manager Training
• Safety Presentations
• Mine Operator/Contractors Training Plan Development
• Training Plan Review
• Citation/order Review and Conferencing assistance
• Expert Witness
• Part 50 Audits
• Attorney and Insurance Consultation Services
• Noise, dust, and welding fume surveys and Engineering Controls Assistance
• Management Assistant Services
• MSHA General Records Compliance Review

• For a single event Compliance Assistance Visit (CAV) for a MSHA /OSHA compliance review at your site (conducted even while you are in operation)
• For a 3-month, 6-month, or 12-month compliance assistance service agreement for continuous oversight at single or multiple locations;
• For a service agreement where you select the number of day(s) per month at any specific location or department.
• For a specific area of MSHA compliance enforcement over-site.
• For quality "nuts-and-bolts" safety meeting presentations by someone who is "out there".
• For Part 46 and 48 mandatory training presentations.
• For contractor's 2-hour mining-specific safety and health recognition training to supplement other qualified training subjects taken under OSHA which are applied to Part 46/48 Plan training.

• Initial New Miner Training, including respirable protection devices/first aid summary. (8-hours)
  
• Newly-hired Experienced Miner Training, including respirable protection devices. (7 hours)
  

• Contractors or mine operators Annual Refresher Training Presentations (2, 4, 6, or 8 hr sessions as requested)

Contact us!

Ralph Christensen,
Safety and Health Compliance Consultant

Phone: 906-932-2293

Cell:  (906)364-1629

Fax: 906-932-4408

e-mail: MiningRMS@aol.com

N11949 Salmi Lane, Bessemer, Michigan 49911, USA

MSHA/OSHA Jurisdictional Issues Assistance

Safety and Health is the key to all success!

Protect your valuable employees, promote a safety-enhanced attitude, and save $ on employee replacement hours, accident costs, MSHA/OSHA assessments, attorney fees, and insurance premiums!  Make every day, a normal productive day! Be the best you can be!  Mining Risk Management Services can do a compliance review at your site and get you up to speed with safe conditions and practices at your company. Call now for a solution to your safety compliance issues!

Mottos

If it doesn't look right, it's usually a violation - and a hazard!

If it doesn't feel right, there is usually a hazard - and a violation!

Stop, Look, Analyze, and Manage! (SLAM)
Always plan your work task first!

Remember! You get what you accept...

www.msha.gov

www.cdc.gov/niosh/

www.dot.gov

www.osha.gov

www.ansi.org

www.hazard.com/msds/

www.fra.dot.gov

www.nfpa.org

www.atf.gov

www.state.il.us/osfm/

www.asse.org

Seat Belts Save Lives! 
Failure to wear seat belts in mobile equipment has caused and continues to cause many powered haulage fatalities.  Always wear the seat belt - and ensure that it is in good condition!  Oversee enforcement of its use on your operation.  Do not let violations of the regulations exist on your site.  Your employees' life and your liability is at stake.  Be Wise!

ENSURE THAT ALL EMPLOYEES STAY IN COMPLIANCE ACCORDING TO THE MSHA SEATBELT STANDARDS; 56/57.14130 and 56/57.14131

Slogans:

Safety Begins with You!

You are in control of your destiny!  Don't take it lightly!

"You will get what you accept!"

"It is better to "keep up", than "catch up".

"If you have time to lean, you have time to clean."

Let's not meet by accident!

Some common records to be maintained for MSHA inspector review:

• MSHA 7000-1: Accident Reports
• MSHA 7000-2: Quarterly Employment Reports
• 56/57.18002: Examination of working places by a competent person at least once each shift.
• 56/57.14100: Pre-shift mobile equipment defect records (if any).
• 56/57.4201: Firefighting equipment inspection documentation, including annual testing records and monthly visual inspections.
• 56/57.12028: Continuity and resistance of electrical equipment grounding test records.
• 56/57.13012: Inspection of compressed air receiver tanks and other unfired pressure vessels. (MSHA currently enforces the State rule, referencing the National Boiler Inspection Code - contact MSHA and your state for specifics.)
• 56/57.18010: Documentation/certification for currently trained individual(s) capable of providing first-aid assistance on all working shifts when hazardous work is being conducted.
• Part 41: A review of the mine operator's Legal Identity Report for accuracy, and 30-day update requirement.
• Part 46/48: Miners Training Plan, and certification of training of employees.
• 56/57.5005: Respiratory Protection Program and respirator fit-testing records requested during MSHA health sampling activities of employees (determines amount likely penalty if there is an over-exposure to surveyed contaminants).
• Part 62: Hearing Conservation Program, and required annual training record.
• Part 47: Hazardous Communication Program

Operator and Mine Contractor Assistance 

PART 46 TRAINING PLANS: 

MRMS can develop a user-friendly Part 46 Training Plan for you in short order; whether you are a present mine operator looking to refine your plan; a new mine operator; or a contractor who is going to work on a mining site.  YOU MUST HAVE SOME TRAINING BEFORE YOU CAN WORK ON ANY MINE SITE.  THAT'S THE LAW.  STIFF PENALTIES CAN APPLY FOR FAILURE TO BE CURRENTLY AND ADEQUATELY TRAINED.

MRMS will assist you in getting an MSHA mine identification number, if you don't have one.  We can develop a plan quickly for you.  You will be guided in an appropriate "competent persons" instructor list.  Your safety meetings can be easily credited to your annual refresher training.  Your training time will be realistic. Your subjects will be appropriate for your type of operation.  Your plan will be neatly organized in a binder, with resource material included.  And, we can conduct initial training for you to comply.  We can also provide a source for you for organized record keeping. 

Respirable Silica (Quartz) Dust

Respirable silica (quartz) dust is a significant hazard to employees in the mining and milling industry. "If it doesn't get you now, it will get you later". Humans were not meant to be breathing contaminated air - dust, fumes, mist, and gases. Doing so can cause serious health consequences. MSHA vigorously pursues sampling for respirable silica (quartz) dust exposures at mining and milling sites during its inspections - and rightfully so. Mine operators are required to survey for these contaminants as stated in Standard 56/57.5002. If mine operators do not know how to survey - or do not have the equipment, the equipment can be rented or contractors are available to conduct sampling and determine compliance. Ignoring the airborne hazards in the mining and milling environment is not the thing to do. Certain occupations at mines and mills are more vulnerable to over-exposures. MSHA looks for mine operators to provide engineering controls to eliminate the source of the contaminant. This is the only real sure way to combat dangerous exposures.

A Respiratory Protection Program meeting ANSI Z88.2-1969 (or newer) should be implemented and/or already in place at mining and milling operations to ensure that employees are provided the protection they need. Respiratory protection is only an interim measure while engineering controls are being implemented, or if employees go into areas such as dust collectors for maintenance tasks - that they are ensured protection. Medical evaluation and fit-testing are just two of many important requirements within a respiratory program. Mobile units are available in many locations to come to mining and milling sites for conducting medical evaluations for the wearing of respirators. Respirator manufacturers and distributors often times will come to the properties to conduct fit-testing at no charge. Quality respirators should be used to ensure adequate protection. To purchase a respirator off the shelf and wear it, does not ensure adequate protection without fit-testing. Persons wearing respirators must be clean shaven in the area of the respirators seal. Fit-testing should be conducted every year. Employees facial structure can change during the year and may require a different size or model of a respirator.

If MSHA conducts a respirable dust survey at a mining or milling site and finds an over-exposure, a Respiratory Protection Program will be required to be implemented for the employee(s) that were found to be over-exposed. If there was no program, the penalty will be greater because the employee was not assured as protected adequately.

Implement a Respiratory Protection Program now. Your employees will feel better at the end of the day. And, you will feel confident that you did the right thing. Make your company - The Best It Can Be!

MSHA Tidbits     

(My original version)

Help me Improve my Safety Program!  Help me Recognize Hazards!

• Natural gas will defuse and deteriorate any rubber hose because of its small molecular structure. Semi-flexible hose-piping designed for natural gas must be used.  Contact a reputable manufacturer for the right applications.
  
• LP/Propane-approved hose is labeled for that purpose and is the only hose that should be used for LP/propane.  Proper clamps and fittings are also required.  Do not use radiator hose type clamps on any gas lines.  The appropriate clamps are required.  Contact your propane supplier for any assistance to comply with safety rules.
  
• Seat belts may not be complete if the tether strap connections have been removed (or not connected) on certain pieces of mobile equipment. They, then, may not meet the SAE J386 approval.  If tether straps came with the equipment from the factory, they must be maintained as such.  If the tag is worn out and not legible, or it is gone - you are not in compliance with the SAE J386 rule, as a legible tag is required.  The seat belt, then, should be changed out with another correct seat belt.  If in doubt, contact your manufacturer.
• All drills (including underground and surface) must always have a method being used to control the drill dust; such as water or a dust collector. Drilling with no controls is a violation. Natural water in the hole is not considered a compliance measure.
• Hard-surface welding is lethal to an employee if not provided with "localized" ventilation and appropriate fit-tested welding fume respirators. "Localized" ventilation is the removal of contaminants BEFORE they enter the employee's breathing zone. All welding is required to be well ventilated whether welding inside or outside, and shielded from flashburn hazard to other persons in the area.
• Mine gases that effect the same organ of an exposed employee during their work shift is considered for an additive mixture of contaminant and the exposure is calculated and compared with the "unity of one". Over the "unity of one" represents a violation for overexposure. MSHA currently enforces four gases for additive mixture calculations.  They are Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), and Nitrous Oxide (NO).  The formula is: conc./TLV x EF + conc./TLV x EF + conc./TLV x EF + conc./TLV x EF = 1.0 (unity) (TLV= threshold limit value, EF= sampling method error factor applied)
• On electrical equipment, if an ohms reading on the non-current carrying frame ground wire is 2 ohms or greater resistance, the breaker may not trip out fast enough to prevent electrocution. As a "rule of thumb" any time the resistance is divided into the voltage-to-ground and the current is less that 10 times the breaker rating, the grounding path is ineffective. The correction is to check for loose and corroded connections in the non-current carrying ground wire and get the resistance to as close to "zero" as possible.
• MSHA reportable accidents also include application for sutures (stitches) , positive x-rays, chiropractors, prescriptions for the eyes, light duty, and diagnosis of silicosis or pneumoconiosis (even after termination of employment as the operator becomes aware). If in doubt, call your nearest MSHA District Office.
• Employees and work hours reported to MSHA are those which employees WORKED ON mine property and were exposed to the mining environment, including office workers ON mine property. Sick leave, vacation days, jury duty, for instance are not reportable. Overtime (time and a half) are reported as straight time on the form because that was the actual amount of time exposed to the mine hazards.
• Roll-Over Protective Structures (ROPS) are required to have a legible certification label in order to verify that it is the right one for the piece of equipment. They should not be covered up, sand blasted off, painted over, or removed. It would then be a violation.
• Ventless gas heaters in closed up areas, such as in semi-trailers, can cause a buildup of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide to dangerous levels. Read the manufacturer's recommendations before you buy and use.
• Machinery, equipment, and tools are not to be used beyond the design intended by the manufacturer.  That includes no pipes on wrench handles to make them longer, and using equipment in the manner the manufacturer intended.
  
• Before using self-propelled mobile equipment, the operator is required to inspect it for safety defects BEFORE putting it to use. Defects must be corrected in a timely manner, and recorded if not repaired immediately. Items not repaired immediately must not pose a safety hazard if operation continues (such as wipers - and it is not raining; or, lights - and it is not dark). Do it right - fix it right away.
• Working places are required to be examined during each shift by a competent person to eliminate hazardous conditions and unsafe work practices that could adversely affect safety and health of miners, and examinations are to be recorded and kept for one year.  (Also, see Policy Manual, Volume IV under 56.18002)
  
• Before starting crushers - and moving self-propelled mobile equipment - if persons are exposed to a hazard from the movement of the equipment, they must be warned of the impending movement.
• The purpose of 56/57.14109 is to prevent persons from falling ON or AGAINST an unguarded moving conveyor belt. Emergency stop cords need to be positioned in such a manner that the emergency stop cord will deactivate the conveyor emergency stop switch if an employee were to fall on or against the moving conveyor belt; or, a railing (optional) can be provided to prevent the employee from falling on or against the moving conveyor belt.
• MSHA regulations serve as a minimal guideline standard of safety protection for employees. Mine operators and contractors are encouraged to exceed those standards of safety and health.  Not all hazards are contained within the regulations.  Stop, Look, Analyze, and Manage!
  
• Compressed air receiver tanks, and other fired and unfired pressure vessels, are required to be inspected for the appropriate required safe guards and construction by inspectors holding a valid National Board Commission Boiler and Pressure Vessel Certification and authorization. Inappropriate and defective air receiver tanks used for compressed air or other pressured purposes can explode and cause serious injury or death to persons. They should have correct gauges, relief valves, and no welding conducted on the units.  MSHA enforcement dictates each specific states' established procedures and policies for compliance with the standard.
• A written and implemented respirator protection program consistent with the requirements of ANSI Z88.2-1969 is required if MSHA finds an overexposure to a contaminant which required the use of respiratory protection as an interim measure of protection while feasible engineering controls are being pursued. It is always beneficial to have a Respirator Program in place to protect your employees from contaminants in the work place. Don't wait for MSHA to find a problem at your site. Protect your employees' future health. 
  
• All safety features that manufacturers provide for equipment must be maintained. Seat belts must also be worn in all mini-loaders. The hydraulic-activation safety bar does not take the place of the seat belt.
• Mill hours have been mis-reported on MSHA 7000-2 Quarterly employment Report forms by mine operators by misunderstanding the code areas. Stripping, open pit mining, or quarrying should be reported under "code 03" on the form. Hours spent in milling (crushing, screening, prep plants, breakers, or their related shops and yards should be reported under "code 30". The exception is that sand and gravel sizing operations are reported under "code 03"; or, "code 06" if it is a dredge operation. Call your local MSHA District or field office if you would like a copy of "instructions for MSHA Form 7000-2" brochure.
• A common violation found in laboratories on mine properties is compressed gas cylinders not secured in an upright position, or the cylinder valves not protected as required by 56/57.16005 and .16006.  And, lately, a serious unsafe health practice of using small drinking water bottles with original labels to transfer or transport smaller amounts of chemicals for convenience in lab areas - causing a serious risk if it were to be accidentally consumed during work. 
  
• A Hearing Conservation Program (HCP) is specifically required for THE EMPLOYEE that is determined to be over-exposed to the "action level". When MSHA finds that an employee is between the action level (85-90 dBA), the inspector will ask for the record of that employee being under the HCP as required (ie; monitoring, notifying the miner, providing hearing protectors, training in the required subjects, offering an audiogram, certification of training, and annually thereafter. The record must be specific for that employee. All employees can be and should be included in the Hearing Conservation Program.
• The subjects that must to taught during Part 46 Annual Refresher Training are: "changes at the mine...", and all other topics listed in the annual refresher training section of the operator's Part 46 Plan, and within the time frames established, and by a competent person listed for that subject.
• Many mine contractor violations include; not wearing (or not having attached) a fall restraint system during a fall hazard, lack of guarding on moving machine parts, no fire extinguisher on the immediate site of welding or cutting, compressed gas cylinders not secured in the upright position, compressed gas cylinder valves not protected during transport or storage, fire extinguishers not tested annually or no monthly visual inspection record, lack of a Part 46 training plan (or plan deficient), not wearing goggles or face shields during operation of a grinding wheel, not wearing correct burning goggles during torch work, not setting the parking brake and chocking the wheels of mobile equipment when parked on a grade and left unattended (including service trucks and pickup trucks)...

It is more comfortable to be hanging from a safety harness and lanyard restraint system, than to fall to the ground and be severely or fatally injured.

Wear your restraint 100% of the time when there is a chance to fall.

It makes good sense.

Safety is our first concern!

Current MSHA Inspector emphasis during inspections!

• MOBILE EQUIPMENT COMPLIANCE ISSUE; setting parking brakes and chocking the wheels, or turning them into a stop block or an embankment when parking on a grade unattended. (56/57.14207)
  
• FAILURE TO WEAR SEAT BELTS when required on mining equipment. (56/57.14130 & 56/57.14131)
  
• PROTECTION OF ELECTRICAL CONDUCTORS and evidence for future damage. (56/57.12004)
  
• IDENTIFICATION LABELING on electrical control distribution boxes. (56/57.12018)
  
• REMOVAL OF ABANDONED ELECTRICAL WIRING . (56.4011)
  
• GUARDING EQUIPMENT - and thoroughness. (56/57.14107a & 56/57.14112)
  
• TEMPORARY CONTAINER LABELING as per the Hazcom Rule. A container was labeled "mix", instead of gasoline and oil mix (cited - 47.34)
  
• PROPER AND TIMELY REPORTING OF ACCIDENTS (remember: send in back-to-work information on ALL forms. Fill out Section D on your 7000-1 accident report form, or you may be assessed a penalty). (Part 50)
  
• MINER TRAINING:  Have current (unexpired) training certificates. (Part 46 & 48)
  
• CONVEYOR RETURN IDLER GUARDING at vulnerable cross-under areas. (56/57.14107a)
• SPILLAGE FALLING from crushing, screening, and conveying equipment during operations. (56/57.14110)
  
• MINE CONTRACTORS overall compliance. (Part 45)
  
• CORRECTING SAFETY DEFECTS "BEFORE" putting equipment, machinery, and tools to use. (56/57.14100b)
• LOCKOUT/TAG-OUT, is a must. (56/57.12016 & .12017) 
  
• FALL RESTRAINT PROTECTION.  100% tie-off is required with harness and lanyard for employees in fall areas.  If three points of contact is not present when working on folding ladders, tie off is required at all times.  Any edge two steps or higher that is a straight step-off hazard for employees must be protected. 
  
• AIR COMPRESSORS OVER 10 HP to have temperature-activated shut-off sensors or fusible plugs if overheating. (56/57.13010)
  
• MONITORING CONTAMINANTS EXPOSURE to employees. (56/57.5002)
  
• GROUNDING OR INSULATORS ON ELECTRICAL POLE GUY WIRES even the 480 v. if it appears that the guy wire might be rubbing a phase wire on insulated electrical cords on poles (MSHA has been citing this under 56.12030 (The catch-all Standard).
• HAZCOM - MSDS SHEETS  Have the correct MSDS on file, including the brand name. (47.51)
  
• CUTTING TORCHES  Make sure the gauges are reading properly and zeroing out when shut off (and shut off when not attended). (56/57.14100b & .4603)

• SIGNIFICANT AND SUBSTANTIAL VIOLATIONS:  The agency is leaning heavily on inspectors to designate more citations as S&S to get their percentage up, and to look closely at each one for management's "knowing and willful" negligence. S&S means that it is reasonably likely or greater for an accident to occur because employee exposure to the condition is regular, routine, and frequent; and, that the resulting injury would be at least lost workdays/restricted duty, or greater.  Some inspectors may be over-reacting to the agency pressure and may be designating citations as S&S when they may not be.  To compound the problem, the citation cannot get the actual 10-day conference scheduled until the agency has assessed the fine amount of the violation(s).  (This is currently being revisited).  Perhaps if the assessment amount is small, the operator might just accept it and pay it to get it over with?  Some inspectors (usually newer ones) issue citations that are not in violation of any MSHA regulations - and on occasion some of the agency conferencing personnel still have upheld those actions.  This means that you also have to abate the citation stated condition so not to get a non-compliance order from the inspector.  The inspectors are continually looking at management negligence as under Section 110 of the Act to see who knew of the violation; and if so, why they did not correct them.  Management should always immediately pursue correction of any unsafe condition or practice on properties as soon as it becomes aware.  The more true designated S&S violations that are found on the property means that more serious conditions were present that created a more likely potential of risk for an employee accident.  One would hope that only minor safety violations might exist that may have been difficult to detect which creates less risk; thus, non-S&S.  Operations need to conduct thorough walk-around safety tours of their operations just to look for any unsafe conditions and practices to eliminate S&S or any violations and unwarrantable failure actions to management personnel; and, of course, mainly focusing on accident prevention.

•  

• CLOSEOUT CONFERENCES:  Inspectors are to hold a closeout conference at the end of their inspections to discuss the findings during the inspection and explain the issuance of each citation and their evaluations.   Some inspectors are just handing the citations to the operator without going through them.  Be careful as to what is in that pile.  This does not present the opportunity for the operator to discuss and contribute to the understanding of the citation that was issued, and its evaluation by the inspector.  Pursue to receive a proper closeout conference with the inspector at your site.
• MSHA INSPECTORS ARE NOW CITING OPERATORS FOR NOT INVESTIGATING an accident or occupational injury at their mine, and to give a copy to MSHA, if they request.  A 7000-1 Form in most cases is not total compliance.  (50.11)
•  WHEN CONDUCTING CONTINUITY AND RESISTANCE TESTING, do not miss any circuits.  MSHA will check your record by picking out a piece of electrical equipment at your operation and wanting to see "that one" on your testing record - so a thorough job of testing needs to be done.  Extension cords must also be tested.  Also, inspectors have threatened to cite microwaves and refrigerators for continuity testing..
• SOME MSHA INSPECTORS WERE CITING feeder and screen shaker support springs for lack of guarding if they are accessible.  They are interpreting those as "similar moving machine parts".  However, "Similar moving machine parts" in the Standard are parts that rotate, as stated by examples within the Standard.  Also, see policy manual, Volume IV for further interpretation officially from MSHA.  (56.14107a)
• MSHA INSPECTORS ARE CITING TRIGGER FINGER LOCKS ON drills, sanders, and grinders to be removed.  The Standard requires that the trigger locks on those tools cannot be used during operation, but does not require their removal, as some inspectors are citing.  Circular saws and chain saws are the ones that cannot be even equipped with the trigger locks.  (56.14116)
• HAND RAILINGS AND MID-RAILINGS to prevent a falling hazard at drop-offs and voids on platforms. (56.11002)
• HOUSEKEEPING;  of hoses, tools, parts, rollers, conveyor pulleys, trash, spilled materials on all walkways and work platforms.  Nothing should be on any walkways and platforms.  (56.20003)
• SNOW AND ICE on walkways - cleaning needs to take place in reasonable time - immediately...  (56.11016)
  
  
• ELECTRICAL KNOCKOUT HOLES on any electrical boxes not provided with blanks to cover them are being cited. (They are cited under 56.12032)
• STORAGE AROUND OXYGEN COMPRESSED GAS CYLINDERS:  No flammable or combustible materials, including grease, in storage rooms or areas - within 25 feet is being used. (56.4601)  Also, make sure the dry weeds and brush are cleared at outside storage for distances of 35 feet.

Failure to comply with mandatory safety and health regulations and safe work practices will get you hurt in due time! It makes the best sense to always comply to reduce the odds for an accident.

(Warning Alert POSTER)

ATTENTION: Customer TRUCK DRIVERS

For your safety, you must stay in your truck in all loading, unloading, and congested areas. (You will not be loaded if you are not in the driver's seat).

Drivers must follow the posted traffic rules, patterns, adhere to warning signs, wear their seat belts at all times, and not exceed the posted speed limits.

Trucks backing up are required to have an operating backup alarm, or an observer to signal when backing up. Drivers are required to sound a warning if any other persons are in the hazardous vicinity of their truck to warn them of the impending movement, before moving the truck.

Climbing on top of your truck is prohibited unless you are secured with an appropriate safety restraint.

Truck drivers have been fatally injured at mine sites in the past. Driver hazards have consisted of: being run over by mining equipment and other trucks; stockpiles which have collapsed, drivers in truck beds being buried by the front-end loader(s) loading the truck; trucks colliding with each other caused by blind spots; raising truck beds into high voltage lines; going off the "beaten path" into active mining areas; defective equipment; drivers falling off the top of their trucks; drivers running after their truck when they failed to activate the parking brake and not chocking the wheels as required; and by trucks falling over with their beds in the elevated position because of uneven and/or non-compacted dumping areas.

Thank you for your compliance! Have a Safe Trip!

Keep your Seat Belt on!

Truck Drivers Alert!

Do not leave your truck cab, or go by any truck, with the box up in the air while dumping a load.  Do not let anyone stand by the truck - even when delivering to a residental area, as they might be exposed to the potential fall of the truck if the wheels were to sink on one side.  This has occurred.  Do not lift the box up in the air if you are not level.  Watch for overhead power lines.  Wear your seatbelt while dumping also.  Some trucks have fallen over and fatally injured the drivers.  Some of the reasons have been: the ground was not level, the area was soft and the wheels on one side sank down first, material stuck in the upper portion of the box to one side and caused an imbalance, one truck parked by another with both having their box up - one fell over on the other and crushed the cab fatally injuring the driver.  It takes no longer to do it right.  Be aware of the risks involved!  Save a life!