Intervention strategies to eliminate truck-related fatalities in surface coal mining in West Virginia

Abstract

The main objective of this review was to build upon a previous study on the root causes of truck-related fatalities in surface coal mining operations in West Virginia, and to develop intervention strategies to eliminate these fatalities. This review considers a two-pronged approach to accident prevention: one that is fundamental and traditional (safety regulations, training and education, and engineering of the work environment); and one that is innovative and creative (e.g., applying technological advances to better control and eliminate the root causes of accidents). Suggestions for improving current training and education system are proposed, and recommendations are provided on improving the safety of mine working conditions, specifically safety conditions on haul roads, dump sites, and loading areas. We also discuss various currently available technologies that can help prevent haul truck-related fatal accidents. The results of this review should be used by mine personnel to help create safer working conditions and decrease truck-related fatalities in surface coal mining.

Keywords:

• mining
• trucks
• accidents
• intervention strategies
• training and education
• safety technologies

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This study was sponsored by the West Virginia Coal and Energy Research Bureau [grant number CERB 2013-003]. The views, opinions and recommendations expressed herein are solely those of the authors and do not imply any endorsement by the West Virginia Coal and Energy Research Bureau. Their financial contribution is gratefully acknowledged.