Which surface equipment has the most reported fatalities?

Trucks are reported to have the most fatalities in surface mining operations due to several reasons associated with their use and the environment in which they operate. The high number of fatalities can be attributed to factors such as the sheer scale and weight of the trucks, which can lead to more severe accidents when collisions occur. Moreover, trucks often transport materials over considerable distances within mining sites, increasing exposure to potential hazards. They also interact with other equipment and personnel frequently, creating a higher likelihood of accidents.

In particular, the risk factors for trucks include rollovers, being struck by or pinned by a truck, and accidents during loading and unloading processes. The operation of trucks also requires a high level of situational awareness, as they typically operate in bustling environments with multiple moving parts, including other equipment and workers. Due to these dynamics, the fatality rate associated with trucks tends to be higher than that associated with other pieces of equipment like excavators, bulldozers, or loaders, which may have more specialized uses and less frequent interactions with personnel. Understanding these dynamics highlights the importance of safety protocols and training to mitigate risks associated with truck operations in surface mining.