Improved Ingress/Egress System for Large Mining Trucks

Abstract

Analyses of mining accident data suggest that approximately 40% of all lost time injuries in open-pit mines occur while mobile equipment operators are ascending or decending their vehicles. This study, sponsored by the U.S. Bureau of Mines examined the human factors and engineering design considerations contributing to these accidents and possible solutions to the problem. The analysis included such relevant factors as type and frequency of injuries, biomechanics of ascending/decending current ingress/egress systems, operational damage sustained by current ingress/egress hardware, operating environmental considerations (e.g., terrain, mud, ice, spilled lubricants/fuels, etc.) operator functions performed from ladders and platforms and secondary tasks performed while ascending/decending. The impact of emergency egress requirements was also addressed. Alternate improved designs were defined and evaluated. The best was fabricated and is currently being field tested.