Safety & Health in the Stone Crushing Industry - Occupational ...

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B.11 Removal of Jammed Boulders in the Main Crusher
Nature of work:
Every time the boulders are struck in the chute or in the crusher, the stone is removed manually or by a
pulling rod. This activity is a regular occurrence.
Risk Factors:
− High potential exists for occurrence of MSD and back pain due to working in confined spaces and
spaces too small for safe lifting
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Over exertion while lifting without proper hand protection may result in hand and leg injuries
Low lighting due to location and to dust formation may cause disturbance in vision, eye disorders,
pulmonary diseases and injuries
Trips and falls into the pit are possible since there is no proper platform or barricade to enter in \to
the chute and vision is disrupted when dust is released
Possibility of boulders rolling and hitting the operator while using the pulling rod
Not wearing PPE may cause other injuries
RULA “priority score”: 7 Suggested Action: Investigate and change immediately
REBA “priority score”: 11 Suggested Action: Very high score, action necessary NOW!
Solutions:
Mandatory training on safe manual material handling practices
Shoes, leather gloves, and nose masks are required for these categories of workers
Helmets may be provided to the persons removing the boulders from the chute
Proper platform may be erected to work
Shut down and secure the power to the crusher while this work is done (so-called LOG-OUT of
power source) so that nobody can switch on power accidentally while others work in or close to
the crusher chute
B.12 Truck loading by bucket conveyors
Nature of work:
Either a cleaning worker or the unit employee climbs onto the truck to level the falling material coming
into the truck.
Risk Factors:
− Fall from heights is possible since the person is climbing onto truck without the use of a ladder
− Injuries are possible if the truck is moved during the leveling process, since there is no
coordination between the cleaner, driver and the unit operator
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MSD and back pain could occur for the worker leveling material on the truck