![]() MINE FATALITY – On May 18, 2021, a telehandler was towing a trailer with a diesel pump onboard up an inclined underground roadway when the tow hitch suddenly broke. The trailer rolled down the roadway, striking and fatally injuring a contract laborer. Best Practices – Use towing hardware (hitches, tow bars, receivers, couplers, pins, pintles, safety chains/cables, etc.) which is properly designed and rated. Before each use, examine towing hardware for wear, cracks and other damage. – Never exceed the recommended maximum towing capacity of a tow vehicle or trailer. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and only use equipment designed for towing. – Always use properly sized safety chains in conjunction with hitches. Safety chains keep the trailer connected to the tow vehicle in case the other tow hardware fails. – Never position yourself directly behind equipment being towed uphill. – Establish procedures for safe and proper towing. Train miners to follow these procedures and identify hazards associated with towing. ![]() Miners and mine operators can find safety and health information on MSHA.gov. |