Machinery

MNM Fatal – 12/10/25

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On December 10, 2025, two contractors died when the dragline they were operating slid into a water-filled pit.

Best Practices

  • Establish mining methods based on geological conditions such as soil stability subsurface cavities.
  • Evaluate all pit, highwall, slope, and bank conditions at least daily or more often, if necessary, to protect the health and safety of the miners. Be especially vigilant after each rain, freeze, or thaw.
  • Conduct effective workplace examinations in areas where miners are working and traveling. Identify and correct all hazards.
  • Train miners on equipment risks and to recognize potential hazards that can decrease bank and slope stability.

Additional Information

These are the 30th and 31st fatalities reported in 2025, and the fifth and sixth classified as “Machinery.”

Click here for: Preliminary Report 1 (pdf), Preliminary Report 2 (pdf)

MNM Fatality – 7/29/25

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On July 29, 2025, a contractor died when the excavator he was tramming toppled forward, causing the cab to land on a boulder.

Best Practices

  • Maintain the boom in the direction of travel when tramming.
  • Maintain control of self-propelled mobile equipment while it is in motion.
  • Ensure miners operate excavators perpendicular to the slope.
  • Task train miners in the safe operation and potential hazards of all equipment, including avoiding ground conditions that can cause the equipment to tip over.
  • Conduct workplace examinations of all work areas prior to beginning work.

Additional Information

This is the 18th fatality reported in 2025, and the fourth classified as “Machinery.”

Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf)

MNM Fatality – 6/15/25

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On June 15, 2025, a miner died after the telehandler that he had been operating overturned onto him while he was outside the equipment moving a water pump suction line.

Best Practices

  • Ensure miners operate telehandlers perpendicular to the slope and use load stabilizing devices to prevent roll over.
  • Keep telehandler forks low to the ground unless the surface is level and ground conditions can support the telehandler.  Never suspend a load from the forks.
  • Always lower booms on equipment when unattended and secure the equipment against movement.
  • Do not exceed the load radius and load limits of lifting equipment.
  • Do not work alone unless you can communicate with others or they can see you.
  • Ensure miners position themselves in a safe manner while working around equipment.
  • Conduct inspections of mobile equipment prior to use.  If deficiencies exist, remove the equipment from service.

Additional Information

The information provided in this notice is based on preliminary information only and does not represent final determinations regarding the nature of the accident or conclusions regarding the cause of the fatality.

Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf)

Safety Alert: Violations, Injuries & Fatalities

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As of April 1, 2025, 2,201 injuries were reported to MSHA since October 1, 2024. Fourteen were fatal injuries. For the remaining injuries, 1,523 were non-fatal and resulted in days lost or restricted duty (NFDL), 27 resulted in a permanent disability, and 637 resulted in no days lost or restricted duty. – MSHA

Click here for: MSHA Alert (pdf)

Coal Fatality – 2/12/25

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On February 12, 2025, a miner died when the ground beneath the drilling rig he was operating failed, causing it to overturn and fall off the highwall.

Best Practices

  • Examine highwalls and correct hazardous conditions before beginning work and as ground conditions warrant.
  • Be aware of changes from the freeze and thaw cycles affecting the condition of the highwall.
  • Operate mobile drills perpendicular to the edge of the highwall.
  • Monitor work activities to ensure miners follow safe work procedures.
  • Train equipment operators to identify hazardous highwall conditions.

Additional Information

This is the sixth fatality reported in 2025, and the second classified as “Machinery.”

Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf), Final Report (pdf).

MNM Fatality – 1/30/25 sand

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On January 30, 2025, a miner died when he became entangled in a log washer.  The victim was starting the log washer when he lost his balance and fell into the log washer. 

Best Practices

  • Ensure equipment and safety devices are maintained in safe working condition.
  • Ensure miners are clear and free from hazards when starting equipment and performing tasks.
  • Always use fall protection equipment, safety belts and lines or personnel lifts when working at heights and near openings where there is a danger of falling.
  • Lock Out and Tag Out machinery against hazardous motion.
  • Maintain equipment in accordance with manufacturer’s means to care for and service equipment.
  • Train miners in the recognition of hazards and safe work procedures.

Additional Information

This is the fourth fatality reported in 2025, and the first classified as “Machinery.”

Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf), Final Report (pdf).

MNM Fatality – 11/16/24

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On November 16, 2024, a miner died when he became entangled in a log washer.   The miner was last seen standing on a deck and using a water hose to wash material out of the log washer to clear a blockage. 

Best Practices

  • De-energize machinery and block moving machine parts from hazardous motion before conducting maintenance or repairs. 
  • Ensure miners are in a safe location before moving equipment and components.
  • Identify hazards associated with the task, review those hazards with all miners involved, and implement measures to protect miners.
  • Train all miners in the recognition of hazards and safe performance of tasks.

Additional Information

This is the 27th fatality reported in 2024, and the fourth classified as “Machinery.”

Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf), Final Report (pdf).

Coal Fatality – 9/28/24

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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.

Best Practices

  • Use blocking material under the shields or a properly sized mechanical device to help them stay level and together. Inspect equipment for abnormal wear and damage.
  • Follow the roof control plan.
  • Always remain a safe distance from any chains or slings that are under tension.

Additional Information

This is the 24th fatality reported in 2024, and the third classified as “Machinery”

Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf), Final Report (pdf).

Coal Fatality – 5/16/24

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On May 16, 2024, a miner died when the excavator he was operating traveled over a 200-foot highwall. 

Best Practices

  • Reduce fall hazard exposure by limiting the distance equipment can safely operate near the edge of highwalls. 
  • Examine benches to identify hazards related to insufficient bench width, locations of other equipment, loose material, etc.
  • Discuss highwall hazards with miners and train miners to recognize these hazards.
  • Address hazards in the mine’s Surface Mobile Equipment Safety Program.  Include safe work practices for weather conditions (fog, heavy rain, or snow) that could reduce visibility.

Additional Information

This is the seventh fatality reported in 2024, and the second classified as “Machinery.”

Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf), Final Report (pdf).

MNM Fatality – 3/1/24

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On March 1, 2024, a miner died after a metal slurry pipe struck him. The miner was removing the last bolt connecting two metal slurry pipes when the pipe broke free and swung in his direction.

Best Practices

  • Prevent miners from positioning themselves in a manner that will expose them to hazards while performing a task. 
  • Examine work areas before and during the shift for hazards. 
  • Ensure that blocking material is competent, substantial, and adequate to stabilize the load. 
  • Train miners in safe work procedures and hazard recognition. Monitor personnel routinely to ensure they follow safe work procedures.

Additional Information

This is the third fatality reported in 2024, and the first classified as “Machinery”

Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf), Final Report (pdf).