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).