Mining Fatalities

MNM Fatality – 1/30/23

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On January 30, 2023, a miner died while troubleshooting a belt conveyor when he fell through a 37-inch-long by 34-inch-wide hole created by the removal of a section of grating.  The miner fell approximately 35 feet from the catwalk to the ground below.

Best Practices

Operators should:

  • Provide fall protection where there is a danger of falling and train miners on its proper use.
  • Replace guarding/grating that protects temporary access openings as soon as completing work.
  • Conduct workplace examinations and immediately correct any unsafe conditions.

Additional Information

This is the sixth fatality reported in 2023, and the first classified as “Slip or Fall of Person.”

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

MNM Fatality – 1/23/23

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On January 23, 2023, a utility management miner died, and another miner was seriously injured, while removing unused waterline pipe suspended from a mine roof.  The two miners were using hand tools to remove a pipe fitting when the waterline pipe suddenly came apart, striking the victim.

Best Practices

Operators should:

  • Release stored energy and pressure from pipes (block and bleed) before breaking a pipe connection.
  • Lock out, tag out, and block equipment from movement before performing maintenance or repairs.
  • Train miners in the safe performance of their tasks.

Additional Information

This is the third fatality reported in 2023, and the first classified as “Hand Tools.”

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

MNM Fatality – 1/17/23

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On January 17, 2023, a miner was fatally injured when his personal car collided with a customer truck. Both vehicles were traveling toward each other in opposite directions on an icy mine access road.

Best Practices

Operators should:

  • Clear roadways of ice and snow or require traction devices to assure safe operation of mobile equipment.
  • Alert drivers to reduce speed on wet or icy roads. 
  • Maintain control of equipment while it is in operation.

Additional Information

This is the second fatality reported in 2023, and the first classified as “Powered Haulage.”

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

MNM Fatality – 12/16/22

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On December 16, 2022, a contract mechanic died while removing the counterweight of an excavator, when it fell and struck him.

Best Practices

Operators should:

  • Block machinery components against motion before beginning maintenance or repairs.
  • Assure blocking material is substantial and installed correctly to support and stabilize the load.
  • Assure miners position themselves in a safe location and away from potential pinch point areas.
  • Train miners to conduct repairs according to manufacturer recommendations.

Additional Information

This is the 29th fatality reported in 2022, and the tenth classified as “Machinery.”

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

MNM Fatality – 1/4/23

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On January 4, 2023, a miner was fatally injured while performing maintenance inside a jaw crusher. The pitman assembly (moving jaw) rotated, pinning the miner against the crusher housing.

Best Practices

Operators should:

  • block machinery components against motion before beginning maintenance or repairs;
  • position miners in a safe location and away from potential pinch point areas;
  • conduct repairs according to manufacturer’s recommendations; and
  • develop procedures for working safely in confined spaces.

Additional Information

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

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

MNM Fatality – 12/6/22

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On December 6, 2022, a miner died when the diesel tractor he was operating struck a pillar.  The miner was thrown from the tractor and crushed under the rear tire of the tractor.

Best Practices

  • Make sure miners wear seat belts when operating mobile equipment.
  • Make sure miners maintain control of equipment while it is in operation.
  • Train miners in the safe performance of their assigned tasks.

Additional Information

This is the 28th fatality reported in 2022, and the fifth classified as “Powered Haulage.”

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

MNM Fatality – 11/5/22

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On November 5, 2022, a miner died when he was engulfed in a coal stockpile at a cement operation.

Best Practices

  • Equip grates and feeders with mechanical clearing devices to prevent miners from being exposed to hazards of falling or sliding material.
  • Make sure miners do not travel by foot on stockpiles or near the toe of stockpile slopes.
  • Make sure miners can be seen, heard, or can communicate with others when working alone under hazardous conditions. 
  • Examine working places to identify the potential for falling or sliding materials prior to allowing access to areas in or around grates and feeders.

Additional Information

This is the 27th fatality reported in 2022, and the third classified as “Engulfment.”

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

Coal Fatality – 10/22/22

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On October 22, 2022, a mine examiner drowned in an underground sump.  The mine examiner was assigned to start pumps in the area.  The float switch box was found open with exposed electrical conductors inside the box.

Best Practices

  • Make sure miners de-energize, lock out, and tag out equipment before entering an area to perform repairs or maintenance.
  • Make sure miners have communication systems available when assigned to work alone.
  • Operators must conduct required examinations from safe locations to identify hazards, correct hazards, notify miners, and record hazards.

Additional Information

This is the 26th fatality reported in 2022, and the third classified as “Drowning.”

Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf)

MNM Fatality – 10/17/22

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On October 17, 2022, a miner died when he fell approximately 90 feet from the walkway outside the plant’s mill building.

Best Practices

  • Train miners to be aware of fall hazards in their workplace.
  • Provide and maintain safe access to areas where miners work or travel.

Additional Information

This is the 25th fatality reported in 2022, and the third classified as “Slip or Fall of Person.”

Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf)

Investigation determined that the fatality was not chargeable to mine operator.

MNM Fatality – 10/7/22

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On October 7, 2022, a mechanic was fatally injured when he was engulfed in material after he entered an air separator to clear a blockage. 

Best Practices: 

  • Install mechanical flow-enhancing devices, such as mechanical vibratory devices, that can maintain material flow and prevent the need for miners to enter a confined space.
  • Mine operators should establish procedures to clear blockages and train all miners in the procedures.
  • Make sure miners wear a safety belt or harness equipped with a lifeline when entering a confined space, and that a second miner, similarly equipped, is attending the lifeline.

Additional Information: 

This is the 24th fatality reported in 2022, and the first classified as “Confined Space.”

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