• Of the 11 fatal accidents at surface coal mines in 2009, seven (64%) involved rock or coal trucks
• Of the seven truck driving fatalities, four (57%) were contract miners
• Four of the seven miners (57%) had less than 1 year experience at the mine
• All but 1 of the truck drivers worked on the day shift and all but one accident occurred before 10:00 a.m.

If you are a truck driver at a coal mine, it is likely that you fit in at least one of these categories. Does this mean that if you are not in one of these categories you are not likely to have an accident? Absolutely not! Training, experience, proper maintenance and prudent operation of equipment will provide the necessary factors to keep you safely behind the wheel throughout 2010 and beyond.

Best Practices

• Conduct pre-operational safety checks of all mobile equipment.
• Always wear a seat belt when operating a haul truck or mobile equipment.
• Maintain equipment braking and steering systems in good repair and adjustment.
• Do not exceed the truck's capabilities, operating ranges, load-limits and safety features.
• Operate vehicles in the appropriate gear when descending grades.
• Do not exit a moving vehicle. Most miners receive fatal injuries after jumping from the cab and being run over by the truck.