Coal Fatality – 1/29/24

On January 29, 2024, a miner died when his haul truck traveled over the edge of a stockpile and overturned.

Best Practices

  • Examine dumping locations before work begins to identify hazardous conditions, especially after heavy rain, or other significant weather changes.
  • Always wear a seatbelt.
  • Provide adequate illumination at dumping locations.
  • Ensure dumping locations are properly designed, constructed, and maintained.
  • Dump material at a safe distance from the edge and push the material over the edge with a bulldozer.
  • Construct substantial berms as a visual indicator to prevent overtravel at dumping locations.  Clearly mark dumping locations with reflectors and/or markers.
  • Do not remove material from the toe of stockpiles when it would create instability at dumping locations.

Additional Information

This is the second fatality reported in 2024, and the second classified as “Powered Haulage”.

February Fatality Updates

Final Reports posted:

Fatalities awaiting Fatality Alert to be posted:

  • 2/6/23 MNM – Electrical
  • 1/2/24 MNM – Powered Haulage
  • 1/29/24 Coal – Powered Haulage

Fatalities awaiting Final Report to be posted:

January Fatality Updates

Final Reports posted:

Fatalities awaiting Fatality Alert to be posted:

  • 2/6/23 MNM – Electrical
  • 1/2/24 MNM – Powered Haulage
  • 1/29/24 Coal – Powered Haulage

Fatalities awaiting Final Report to be posted:

MNM Fatality – 12/14/23 UT

On December 14, 2023, a contractor died while delivering parts to the mine when an all-terrain telehandler pulling cable, tipped over, striking him.

Best Practices

  • Do not exceed the load radius and load limits of lifting equipment.
  • Ensure miners position themselves in a safe manner while working around equipment.
  • Barricade and sign affected areas in case equipment or loads fail or tip.
  • Ensure visitors entering the mine receive site specific hazard awareness training.
  • Maintain good communication between co-workers.

Additional Information

This is the 40th fatality reported in 2023, and the 16th classified as “Machinery.”

Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf)

MNM Fatality – 12/14/23 OK

MINE FATALITY – On December 14, 2023, a miner died while preparing to repair flanges on the feed box. In the process of lowering the chute into the maintenance position, the chute pinned the miner between the chute and the handrail.

Best Practices

  • Block machinery components against motion before beginning maintenance or repairs and verify miners are in a safe location before moving equipment and components.
  • Examine work areas during the shift for hazards that could be created while performing the work.
  • When conducting a non-routine task, review safe procedures before starting work and ensure all safety components are in place.
  • Do not work under suspended loads.

Additional Information

This is the 39th fatality reported in 2023, and the 15th classified as “Machinery.”

Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf)

December Fatality Updates

Final Reports posted:

Fatalities awaiting Fatality Alert to be posted:

  • 2/6/23 MNM – Electrical
  • 12/14/23 MNM – Macinery OK
  • 12/14/23 MNM – Machinery UT

Fatalities awaiting Final Report to be posted:

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MNM Fatality – 11/17/23

On November 17, 2023, a miner died when the leg of a rock saw stand that he was assisting to unload, shifted and struck him.

Best Practices

  • Review safe procedures with all miners involved prior to conducting a non-routine task.
  • Use proper rigging and lifting procedures when moving machine parts.
  • Load and unload materials on smooth, level surfaces to ensure the material does not shift or fall over.
  • Ensure miners are positioned in a safe location and away from potential hazards when moving or positioning equipment. 

Additional Information

This is the 38th fatality reported in 2023, and the first classified as “Handling Material.”

Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf)

MNM Fatality – 11/13/23

On November 13, 2023, a pit wall collapsed engulfing an excavator operator while he was outside of the excavator.

Best Practices

  • Use appropriate mining methods when the material is steeper than its angle of repose.
       o    Install appropriate benches and trenches when necessary.
       o    Scale highwalls to eliminate hazards, e.g., steep slopes or overhangs.
  • Establish and discuss safe work procedures before beginning work. Identify and control all hazards associated with the work to be performed and the methods to properly protect miners.
  • Train miners to assess risks and hazards and correct or barricade hazards to prevent access before beginning work activities.

Additional Information

This is the 37th fatality reported in 2023, and the first classified as “Fall of Face, Rib, Side or Highwall.”

Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf)

November Fatality Updates

Final Reports posted:

Fatalities awaiting Fatality Alert to be posted:

  • 2/6/23 MNM – Electrical
  • 11/13/23 MNM – Fall of Face/Rib/Highwall
  • 11/17/23 MNM – Handling Material

Fatalities awaiting Final Report to be posted:

Safety in Cold Weather Alert

Cold weather can cause cold stress, which can lead to hypothermia, frostbite, and other severe injuries, and illnesses.

Best Practices

  • Monitor your physical condition and that of your coworkers.
  • Wear appropriate clothing.
  • Wear clothing that allows a full range of motion necessary for the tasks of the work.
  • Move into warm locations during breaks.
  • Include chemical hot packs in your first aid kit.
  • Avoid touching cold metal surfaces with bare skin.

In addition, some portable heaters can emit deadly carbon monoxide (CO).  CO is odorless and colorless and can accumulate in confined spaces and enclosed areas such as the cabs of vehicles, work trailers, and unventilated areas.  Exposure to 200 parts per million of CO for 15 minutes can cause disorientation, unconsciousness and eventual death.

Best Practices

  • Maintenance of fuel-burning equipment and vehicles is crucial. Vehicle exhaust systems need to be regularly inspected for leaks or other damage.
  • Monitors and audible alarm systems should be in place wherever CO is a potential hazard. Use portable CO detectors as necessary.
  • Properly ventilate work areas. The ventilation system should be designed and maintained to remove contaminants from the mine atmosphere.
  • Maintain travelways and keep them free of ice and debris.

Click here for MSHA Alert.