MINE FATALITY – On August 23, 2022, a contract mechanic received fatal injuries while performing maintenance on the bucket (dipper) of an electric rope shovel. A plastic block, used to prop open the dipper door, dislodged causing the dipper door to close and pin the victim against the back edge of the dipper.
Best Practices:
- Make sure miners are positioned in a safe location and away from potential pinch point areas.
- Make sure miners securely block equipment against motion before beginning maintenance or repairs.
- Assure blocking material is substantial and installed correctly to support and stabilize the load.
- Make sure miners conduct repairs according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
Additional Information:
This is the 19th fatality reported in 2022, and the eighth classified as “Machinery.”
Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf), Final Report (pdf).