MSHA Safety Alert
Truck Dumping Safety
On January 2, 2024, the driver of an over the road tractor-trailer haul truck died when the trailer tipped over onto the cab of the tractor. The driver was dumping part of the load of gravel from the trailer. Between 2018 and 2024, mine operators reported 14 injury accidents where over the road trucks tipped or rolled over while dumping. During the same period, miners were also injured when 28 off-road mine haul trucks tipped or rolled over. The accidents can be prevented with proper training and following best practices:
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Best Practices
For Drivers:
- Dump only on level surfaces, free of spillage. Make sure elevated dump sites are substantial and equipped with adequate dump point restraints.
- Keep your truck and trailer in a straight line when backing up and never move faster than walking speed.
- Avoid dumping in high or gusty wind conditions.
- Stay in the cab with your seatbelt on during the dumping process. Never attempt to exit or jump from an overturning truck.
- After dumping, remove any compacted material before reloading the truck.
- Evenly distribute the load and use antifreeze in cold weather to prevent material from freezing and sticking in the truck bed.
- Never overload trucks or trailers.