Machinery

MNM Fatal – 3/12/26

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On March 12, 2026, a contract mechanic died after the boom of a drill mast rolled, struck, and pinned him.

Best Practices

  • Block equipment, including components or assemblies, from unexpected movement before beginning work.
  • Follow manufacturer-recommended maintenance procedures. 
  • Bleed off all air prior to hooking up hydraulic lines. Use bleed valves when installed and fully cycle actuators in all directions.
  • Train miners in safe work procedures and hazard recognition. Monitor personnel routinely to ensure they follow safe work procedures.

Additional Information

This is the fifth fatality reported in 2026, and the third classified as “Machinery.”

Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf)

Coal Fatal – 3/5/26

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On March 5, 2026, a continuous mining machine operator died after being pinned against the coal rib by a continuous mining machine.

Best Practices

  • Operate equipment from a safe location. Stay out of “Red Zone” areas including pinch points, the continuous mining machine (CMM) turning radius, and areas between the CMM and the ribs. 
  • Develop and implement procedures for tramming, repositioning, cable handling, and moving remote controlled CMMs safely.
  • Maintain the proximity detection systems (PDS) in the approved operating condition. Perform manufacturer-recommended tests to ensure the PDS is functioning properly.
  • Position miner wearable components (MWCs) in accordance with the PDS manufacturer’s recommendations so users can see and hear warning lights and sounds. 
  • Mine operators must ensure MWCs are properly worn.
  • Train miners on the functionality and importance of the PDS.

Additional Information

This is the fourth fatality reported in 2026, and the second classified as “Machinery.”

Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf)

MNM Fatal – 1/6/26

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On January 6, 2026, a contractor was fatally struck by the motor and gearbox assembly while removing a baghouse slide gate. 

Best Practices

  • Block machinery or equipment against hazardous motion before beginning maintenance or repairs. Verify miners are in a safe location and away from potential “red zone” areas.
  • Secure assemblies to prevent unexpected movement and use proper tools.
  • Identify and control all stored energy sources, including gravity.
  • Train miners in safe work procedures and hazard recognition.

Additional Information

This is the first fatality reported in 2026, and the first classified as “Machinery.”

Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf)

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), Final 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).