Author: renewcomer

September Fatality Updates

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Final Reports posted:

Fatalities awaiting Fatality Alert to be posted:

  • 2/6/23 MNM – Electrical
  • 8/18/23 Coal – Drowning
  • 9/8/23 MNM – Powered Haulage
  • 9/12/23 MNM – Powered Haulage
  • 9/17/23 MNM – Powered Haulage

Fatalities awaiting Final Report to be posted:

Coal Fatality – 8/30/23

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On August 30, 2023, a belt foreman died when a belt conveyor take-up unit component broke and struck him.

Best Practices

  • Examine work areas for hazards found during the shift. Report hazards and defects immediately and do not work in unsafe conditions.
  • Ensure there are no obstructions in the travel path of the belt conveyor take-up system prior to tensioning.
  • Examine any belt or linkage assembly for signs of deformation such as cracking, lateral deflection or distorted connections.
  • Train miners to recognize and avoid potential hazards from sudden releases of stored energy.

Additional Information

This is the 30th fatality reported in 2023, and the sixth classified as “Powered Haulage.”

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

MNM Fatality – 8/21/23

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On August 21, 2023 a crusher lid that was being moved into place struck a miner when the rigging broke. The miner died from his injuries on August 23, 2023.

Best Practices

  • Do not work under suspended loads.
  • Use properly rated lifting equipment and ensure that the load is well secured.
  • Attach tag lines to suspended loads to steady or guide the load.
  • Communicate lift plans to all persons working in the lift zone. Follow manufacturer’s recommended work procedures.

Additional Information

This is the 28th fatality reported in 2023, and the twelfth classified as “Machinery.”

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

MNM Fatality – 8/24/23

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On August 24, 2023, a miner died while preparing a wash plant for relocation. In the process of lowering the feed box into the travel position, the miner was pinned between the feed box and the handrail.

Best Practices

  • Block machinery components against motion before beginning maintenance or repairs.
  • Do not work under suspended loads.
  • When conducting a non-routine task, review safe procedures before starting work and ensure all safety components are in place and working.

Additional Information

This is the 29th fatality reported in 2023, and the 13th classified as “Machinery.”

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

MNM Fatality – 8/5/23

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On August 5, 2023, a customer truck driver fell from a large container mounted on the trailer of his truck. After opening the container lid, the driver slipped while descending the container.  The driver died from his injuries on August 7, 2023.

Best Practices

  • Provide fall protection or safe means of access to miners, contractors, and customers who need to gain access to containers or tankers if there is danger of falling.
  • Ensure miners, contractors, and customers wear proper slip resistant footwear and use three points of contact when accessing elevated surfaces.
  • Provide site-specific hazard awareness training to customers, including commercial over-the-road truck drivers.

Additional Information

This is the 27th fatality reported in 2023, and the third classified as “Slip or Fall of Person.”

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

August Fatality Updates

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Final Reports posted:

Fatalities awaiting Fatality Alert to be posted:

  • 2/6/23 MNM – Electrical
  • 8/5/23 MNM – Slip or Fall of Person
  • 8/21/23 MNM – Machinery
  • 8/24/23 MNM – Machinery
  • 8/30/23 Coal – Powered Haulage

Fatalities awaiting Final Report to be posted:

MNM Fatality – 7/17/23

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On July 17, 2023, a miner died while performing repairs on a gyratory crusher. When a component was being suspended by a crane, a lifting eye welded to the component broke free striking the miner.

Best Practices

  • Ensure that all miners stay clear of stored energy while performing repairs. 
  • A certified welder should weld any lifting eye and ensure the welding rod is suitable for the materials joined together. 
  • Examine lifting equipment and connection points for cracks or deformation prior to lifting. 
  • Use low energy ropes and straps to minimize rebound effects when objects break. 

Additional Information

This is the 25th fatality reported in 2023, and the 11th classified as “Machinery.” It was delisted by MSHA on 5/22/24 over jurisdiction issues.

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

MNM Fatality – 8/5/23

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On August 5, 2023, a piece of granite fell, striking two miners, killing one and seriously injuring the other.

Best Practices

  • Examine work areas to identify loose ground or unstable conditions before work begins and as conditions change.  Report hazards and do not work in unsafe conditions.
  • Correct unsafe conditions or barricade areas to prevent access before beginning work.
  • Consider mining methods that do not require miners to work or travel near the base of a highwall.

Additional Information

This is the 26th fatality reported in 2023, and the second classified as “Falling, Rolling, or Sliding Rock or Material of Any Kind.”

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

MNM Fatality (2) – 1/27/23

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On January 27, 2023, at approximately 6:25 a.m., CharQuaveiun Bloodsaw, a 23 year-old contract haul truck operator with 48 weeks of mining experience, and Damian Asberry, a 25 year-old contract haul truck operator with seven years of mining experience, were electrocuted. An energized high-voltage power line contacted their haul trucks, resulting in fatal electric shocks when they exited the cabs of their haul trucks. 

There was no Fatal Alert posted by MSHA for these fatalities.

Additional Information

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

July Fatality Updates

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Final Reports posted:

Fatalities awaiting Fatality Alert to be posted:

  • 1/27/23 MNM (2) – Electrical
  • 2/6/23 MNM – Electrical
  • 7/17/23 MNM – Machinery

Fatalities awaiting Final Report to be posted: