On January 7, 2013, a 49-year old assistant plant manager with 30 years of experience was injured at a crushed stone operation. The victim was working on a lift, taking samples from a highwall, when a large rock fell and struck him. He was hospitalized and died on January 19, 2013.
- Establish and discuss safe work procedures for working near highwalls. Identify and control all hazards.
- Train all persons to recognize adverse conditions and environmental factors that can decrease highwall stability and understand safe job procedures to eliminate all hazards before beginning work.
- Look, Listen and Evaluate pit and highwall conditions daily, especially after each rain, freeze, or thaw.
- Remove loose or overhanging material from the face. Correct hazardous conditions by working from a safe location.
- Ensure that work or travel areas and equipment are a safe distance from the toe of the highwall.
Click here for: MSHA Preliminary Report (pdf), MSHA Investigation Report (pdf), Overview (powerpoint), Overview (pdf).