Investigation of haul truck-related fatal accidents in surface mining using fault tree analysis

Trucks are the primary means of haulage in surface coal, metal, and nonmetal mining operations. The number of fatal accidents involving trucks is higher when compared to all other mining equipment. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) reports that 137 fatalities were haul truck-related in the United States between 1995 and 2011. A total of 12 accidents, including 13 fatalities, were recorded in surface coal mining operations in West Virginia (WV) during this period. The objective of this study was to better understand the root causes of accidents in WV. The Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) technique was used to systematically analyze these accidents. Results of the study indicate that inadequate or improper pre-operational check and poor maintenance of trucks were the two most common root causes of these accidents. A total of eight accidents occurred on haul roads, while 10 accidents occurred while the trucks were moving forward. The two most violated provisions of Code of Federal Regulations were 30 CFR§77.404 - Machinery and equipment; operation and maintenance (six times), and 30 CFR§77.1606 - Loading and haulage equipment; inspection and maintenance (five times).