MNM Fatality – 6/22/23

On June 22, 2023, a contract bulldozer operator died when the bulldozer he was operating backed off the edge of a highwall.  The bulldozer operator was clearing the bench in preparation for drilling and blasting and had removed the berms along the edge.

Best Practices

  • Install berms, signs, or devices to identify the edge of benches.
  • Perform workplace examinations and correct hazardous conditions before beginning work and as ground conditions warrant. 
  • Train equipment operators to identify dangerous conditions and to keep the bulldozer blade between them and the edge near drop-offs.

Additional Information

This is the 24th fatality reported in 2023, and the tenth classified as “Machinery.”

Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf), Final Report (pdf).

Silica Rule Proposed Change

The U.S. Department of Labor on June 30 announced a proposal by its Mine Safety and Health Administration to amend current federal standards to better protect the nation’s miners from health hazards related to exposure to respirable crystalline silica, or silica dust. The proposed rule change will ensure miners have at least the same level of protections as workers in other industries.

Click here for MSHA Silica Rulemaking page with links to proposed rule.

June Fatality Updates

Final Reports posted:

Fatalities awaiting Fatality Alert to be posted:

  • 1/27/23 MNM (2) – Electrical
  • 2/6/23 MNM – Electrical
  • 6/8/23 MNM – Slip or Fall of Person
  • 6/9/23 Coal – Machinery
  • 6/22/23 MNM – Machinery

Fatalities awaiting Final Report to be posted:

Coal Fatality – 6/9/23

On June 9, 2023, a contract truck driver died when an excavator bucket struck him.  A contractor crew was using the excavator to assist in unloading a fuel tank from a lowboy trailer when the excavator bucket suddenly moved.

Best Practices

  • Do not place yourself in a position that exposes you to hazards.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s warning and engage safety lock mechanisms before getting out of the operator’s seat. 
  • Train miners in safe work procedures and hazard recognition before working around moving equipment.  

Additional Information

This is the 23rd fatality reported in 2023, and the eighth classified as “Machinery.”

Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf), Final Report (pdf).

MNM Fatality – 6/8/23

On June 8, 2023, a miner died after climbing over the handrail onto a conveyor belt to gain access to a magnet belt that needed adjustment. When the miner stepped onto the magnet belt, the belt started, throwing the miner 16 feet to the ground below.

Best Practices

• De-energize, lock-out, tag-out, and block machinery against motion before performing repairs or maintenance on a belt conveyor.
• Install a system which provides visible or audible warning to warn miners that the conveyor will be started.
• Provide and maintain safe access to all workplaces and establish safe work procedures.
• Use fall protection when a fall hazard exists. Ensure fall protection has a suitable fall arrest and secure anchorage system, and that miners are properly trained.

Additional Information

This is the 22nd fatality reported in 2023, and the second classified as “Slip or Fall of Person.”

Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf), Final Report (pdf).

MNM Fatality – 6/1/23

On June 1, 2023, a customer truck driver died when he was struck by a component of his truck’s air bag height/ride suspension system while performing maintenance. 

Best Practices

  • Follow manufacturer’s recommended procedures when performing maintenance on suspension system components.
  • Release all stored energy from components before beginning maintenance.
  • Position yourself in a safe location while pressurizing systems.
  • Train miners in safe work procedures and hazard recognition.  Monitor personnel routinely to ensure they follow safe work procedures.

Additional Information

This is the 21st fatality reported in 2023, and the seventh classified as “Machinery.”

Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf)

MNM Fatality – 5/22/23

On May 22, 2023, a miner died when the haul truck he was operating overturned, when the edge of the bank at a dump point gave way.  The haul truck landed on the roof of the cab. 

Best Practices

  • Conduct workplace and ground condition examinations before work begins in an area.
  • Dump material from a safe location and push the material over the edge with a bulldozer.
  • Ensure dump locations on unconsolidated material are properly designed, constructed, and maintained.   
  • Construct substantial berms as a visual indicator to prevent overtravel.  Clearly mark dump locations with reflectors and/or markers.
  • Never load material from the toe of a stockpile that is directly below an active dump point.  This may lead to an over steepened and unstable slope.
  • Wear a seatbelt.  Install advanced systems that restrain miners during roll-overs.

Additional Information

This is the 20th fatality reported in 2023, and the fifth classified as “Powered Haulage.”

Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf), Final Report (pdf).

Coal Fatality – 2/26/23

On February 26, 2023, a contract miner died while operating a bulldozer. The bulldozer traveled over the edge of an access road and rolled feet down an embankment, ejecting the miner from the operator’s cab. The miner was not wearing a seatbelt.

Best Practices

  • Always wear a seatbelt when operating mobile equipment. Monitor work activities routinely to ensure miners wear seatbelts and follow safe work procedures.
  • Examine ground conditions before beginning work and remain alert as conditions change throughout the shift.
  • Train miners on the equipment they operate, including safe work procedures, and to identify and report hazards.
  • Always be aware of your position relative to roadway edges and benches.

Additional Information

This is the ninth fatality reported in 2023, and the second classified as “Machinery”.

Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf), Final Report (pdf).

MNM Fatality – 2/25/23

On February 25, 2023, a miner drowned when his excavator traveled over a berm into a sediment pond.

Best Practices

  • When working near water, install a combination seat belt cutter and window breaker tool in the operator’s cab of equipment.
  • Keep all exits clear in cabs, including alternate and emergency exits, and make sure the doors and windows open freely before beginning work.

Additional Information

This is the eighth fatality reported in 2023, and the first classified as “Drowning.”

Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf), Final Report (pdf).

Coal Fatality – 5/16/23

On May 16, 2023, a bulldozer operator died when a spoil pile slid and engulfed the bulldozer he was operating. At the time of the accident, the bulldozer operator was repairing a ramp used to access water pumps in the pit.

Best Practices

  • Establish and follow ground control plans that are consistent with prudent engineering design for the safe control of all highwalls, pits, and spoil banks.  
  • Examine highwalls, spoil banks, and ground that slope into working areas after every rain, freeze, or thaw before work in such areas.
  • Stay clear of potentially unstable areas.  Correct unsafe ground conditions in the affected area.
  • Equip bulldozers with two-way communication systems, high strength glass, and an SCSR for breathable air when working on material that has the potential to slide or engulf mobile equipment.

Additional Information

This is the 19th fatality reported in 2023, and the first classified as “Falling, Rolling, or Sliding Rock or Material of Any Kind.” 

Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf)