On September 1, 2022, a roof bolter was electrocuted when he contacted a metal hook that became energized after it penetrated the 480-volt cable that supplied electrical power to a roof bolting machine.
Best Practices:
Make sure miners use suitable, non-conductive ropes when pulling or handling electrical cables.
Never attach conductive parts, such as metallic hooks, to the portions of non-conductive ropes that contact electrical cables.
Make sure miners use proper Personal Protective Equipment when handling cables, such as insulated gloves.
Additional Information:
This is the 20th fatality reported in 2022, and the first classified as “Electrical.”
On August 4, 2022, a mine manager died while performing maintenance on a bulldozer. While kneeling on the bulldozer’s track, the victim accidentally engaged the lever that put the bulldozer in reverse. The bulldozer track moved the victim to the rear of the bulldozer where he was run over.
Best Practices:
Operators should train miners on safe maintenance procedures:
turn off the engine
block equipment against motion
Operators should make sure miners are in a safe location in relation to machine parts that can move.
Additional Information:
This is the 17th fatality reported in 2022, and the seventh classified as “Machinery.”
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.”
MINE FATALITY – On August 17, 2022, a general inside laborer died when he was caught between a supply car and its coupler. The victim was sitting on the supply car which was coupled to a locomotive parked in a track spur. The locomotive was struck by another locomotive pulling three loaded cars into the mine. The impact knocked the victim off the supply car, killing him.
Best Practices:
Assure track switches are in the proper position for your direction of travel and the latches are in contact with the rail.
Make sure miners are in a safe location away from equipment parked in a track spur when other equipment is passing along the main rail line.
Make sure miners communicate their location and intended movements with the dispatcher. Repeat the switch alignment back to the dispatcher, where applicable.
Additional Information:
This is the 18th fatality reported in 2022, and the fourth classified as “Powered Haulage.”
On July 21, 2022, a miner received fatal injuries when his right arm became entangled in an auger (screw) conveyor.
Best Practices:
Secure all conveyor covers in place during normal operation. Keep tools, clothing, and body parts away from moving conveyors.
De-energize, lock out, tag out, and block machinery against hazardous motion before performing repairs or maintenance. Never perform work on a moving conveyor.
Examine work areas and equipment. Report defects to miners and assure defects are corrected and recorded. Test emergency shut-off devices frequently.
Additional Information:
This is the 16th fatality reported in 2022, and the sixth classified as “Machinery.”
