On August 22, 2024, a miner operating an excavator died when the highwall he was working near collapsed on the excavator.
Best Practices
• 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.
Additional Information
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)