Recent accidents highlight the risks associated with dump points and stockpiles, especially where stockpile stability and visibility are of concern. Fatalities and serious injuries have occurred when heavy equipment operators traveled or dumped material too close to a stockpile edge or worked too close to the toe of an over-steepened stockpile. – MSHA
On April 13, 2024, a front-end loader operator drowned, lying face down in a pool of water. The front-end loader operator was last seen using a water hose to wash material off a concrete pad next to a pool of water.
This is the 25th fatality reported in 2024, and the second classified as “Drowning.”
Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf), Final Report (pdf).
On September 28, 2024, a 34 year-old miner with 14 years of mining experience was injured when the hook and strap assembly broke while attached to two longwall shields. The miner died from his injuries on October 5, 2024.
This is the 24th fatality reported in 2024, and the third classified as “Machinery”
Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf), Final Report (pdf).
On September 25, 2024, a continuous mining machine operator died after being struck by a rock from a roof fall, while traveling under unsupported roof to extend a ventilation tube.
This is the 23rd fatality reported in 2024, and the third classified as “Fall of Roof or Back.”
Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf), Final Report (pdf).
On September 20, 2024, a miner died after he fell approximately six feet from a front-end loader while attempting to replace a bulb on the right front headlight.
This is the 22nd fatality reported in 2024, and the third classified as “Slip or Fall of Person.”
Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf), Final Report (pdf).
On September 18, 2024, a miner died when a front-end loader struck him after he exited his truck.
• When approaching mobile equipment, communicate your intended movements with equipment operators and ensure they acknowledge your presence.
• Wear high-visibility clothing when working around mobile equipment.
• Truck drivers should not exit their trucks during loading.
• Be aware of the location and traffic patterns of mobile equipment in your work area.
• Train miners in the safe operation of mobile equipment in accordance with the manufacturer’s manual.
This is the 21st fatality reported in 2024, and the tenth classified as “Powered Haulage.”
Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf), Final Report (pdf).
On September 6, 2024, a continuous mining machine operator died after a rock from a roof fall struck him while he was under unsupported roof.
This is the 19th fatality reported in 2024, and the second classified as “Fall of Roof or Back.”
Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf), Final Report (pdf).
On September 6, 2024, a miner died when the haul truck he was operating traveled off the mine road and crashed into a residence.
This is the 20th fatality reported in 2024, and the ninth classified as “Powered Haulage.”
Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf), Final Report (pdf).
On August 22, 2024, a miner operating an excavator died when the highwall he was working near collapsed on the excavator.
• Use mining methods that ensure highwall stability and safe working conditions.
• Examine and, where applicable, test ground conditions in areas where work is to be performed, prior to work commencing, after blasting and as ground conditions warrant during the work shift.
• Scale highwalls to eliminate hazards, e.g., steep slopes or overhangs.
• Ensure that miners work, travel, and operate mining equipment at safe distances from highwalls.
• Train miners to recognize hazardous highwall conditions.
This is the 14th fatality reported in 2024, and the first classified as “Fall of Face, Rib, Side or Highwall.”
Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf), Final Report (pdf).
On August 22, 2024, a contractor was found deceased in a shallow pool of water at the base of a highwall.
This is the 16th fatality reported in 2024, and the first classified as “Drowning.”
Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf), Final Report (pdf).