MSHA’s Coal District 4 has distributed a safety alert following an accident in December in which a mechanic was seriously injured while setting a transmission into a haul truck using a truck-mounted hydraulic crane.

According to the alert, the crane suddenly failed, allowing the boom to fall.  The boom struck the victim in the head, knocking him down between the frame rails of the truck.  He was standing on the frame rail of the truck at the time of the accident.  Seven preventative practices were listed:

• always operate cranes within the rated capacities shown by the load chart supplied by the manufacturer
• always ensure any crane defects are corrected prior to use
• always maintain all crane safety features in operable condition
• crane mounting fasteners (bolts) must be properly installed, torqued and meet all manufacturer specifications
• when replacing crane bearings, closely follow installation instructions and torque values provided by the manufacturer
• never overload a crane or use it in a manner not intended by the manufacturer; i.e. pulling from the side
• never place yourself beneath an operating crane boom or hoisted load.