Machinery

MNM Fatality – 3/1/24

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On March 1, 2024, a miner died after a metal slurry pipe struck him. The miner was removing the last bolt connecting two metal slurry pipes when the pipe broke free and swung in his direction.

Best Practices

  • Prevent miners from positioning themselves in a manner that will expose them to hazards while performing a task. 
  • Examine work areas before and during the shift for hazards. 
  • Ensure that blocking material is competent, substantial, and adequate to stabilize the load. 
  • Train miners in safe work procedures and hazard recognition. Monitor personnel routinely to ensure they follow safe work procedures.

Additional Information

This is the third fatality reported in 2024, and the first classified as “Machinery”

Click here for: Preliminary Report (pddf)

MNM Fatality – 12/14/23 UT

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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

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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)

MNM Fatality – 11/13/23

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On November 13, 2023, a rotating drill steel of a roof bolting machine entangled a miner, causing fatal injuries.

Best Practices

  • Always follow manufacturer recommendations when conducting maintenance on equipment, including:
    • Turn off or de-energize the machine.
    • Secure the equipment against hazardous motion.
  • Never touch or hold the drill steel, wrench, or bolt while it is rotating.
  • Do not wear loose-fitting or bulky clothing when working around any machinery with rotating parts.

Additional Information

This is the 36th fatality reported in 2023, and the 14th classified as “Machinery.”

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

MNM Fatality – 8/21/23

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On August 21, 2023 a crusher lid that was being moved into place struck a miner when the rigging broke. The miner died from his injuries on August 23, 2023.

Best Practices

  • Do not work under suspended loads.
  • Use properly rated lifting equipment and ensure that the load is well secured.
  • Attach tag lines to suspended loads to steady or guide the load.
  • Communicate lift plans to all persons working in the lift zone. Follow manufacturer’s recommended work procedures.

Additional Information

This is the 28th fatality reported in 2023, and the twelfth classified as “Machinery.”

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

MNM Fatality – 8/24/23

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On August 24, 2023, a miner died while preparing a wash plant for relocation. In the process of lowering the feed box into the travel position, the miner was pinned between the feed box and the handrail.

Best Practices

  • Block machinery components against motion before beginning maintenance or repairs.
  • Do not work under suspended loads.
  • When conducting a non-routine task, review safe procedures before starting work and ensure all safety components are in place and working.

Additional Information

This is the 29th fatality reported in 2023, and the 13th classified as “Machinery.”

Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf)

MNM Fatality – 7/17/23

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On July 17, 2023, a miner died while performing repairs on a gyratory crusher. When a component was being suspended by a crane, a lifting eye welded to the component broke free striking the miner.

Best Practices

  • Ensure that all miners stay clear of stored energy while performing repairs. 
  • A certified welder should weld any lifting eye and ensure the welding rod is suitable for the materials joined together. 
  • Examine lifting equipment and connection points for cracks or deformation prior to lifting. 
  • Use low energy ropes and straps to minimize rebound effects when objects break. 

Additional Information

This is the 25th fatality reported in 2023, and the 11th classified as “Machinery.”

Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf)

MNM Fatality – 6/22/23

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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).

Coal Fatality – 6/9/23

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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 – 6/1/23

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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), Final Report (pdf).