Metal/Nonmetal

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).

MNM Fatality – 6/22/23

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On June 22, 2023, a contract bulldozer operator died when the bulldozer he was operating backed off the edge of a highwall.  The bulldozer operator was clearing the bench in preparation for drilling and blasting and had removed the berms along the edge.

Best Practices

  • Install berms, signs, or devices to identify the edge of benches.
  • Perform workplace examinations and correct hazardous conditions before beginning work and as ground conditions warrant. 
  • Train equipment operators to identify dangerous conditions and to keep the bulldozer blade between them and the edge near drop-offs.

Additional Information

This is the 24th fatality reported in 2023, and the tenth classified as “Machinery.”

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

MNM Fatality – 6/8/23

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On June 8, 2023, a miner died after climbing over the handrail onto a conveyor belt to gain access to a magnet belt that needed adjustment. When the miner stepped onto the magnet belt, the belt started, throwing the miner 16 feet to the ground below.

Best Practices

• De-energize, lock-out, tag-out, and block machinery against motion before performing repairs or maintenance on a belt conveyor.
• Install a system which provides visible or audible warning to warn miners that the conveyor will be started.
• Provide and maintain safe access to all workplaces and establish safe work procedures.
• Use fall protection when a fall hazard exists. Ensure fall protection has a suitable fall arrest and secure anchorage system, and that miners are properly trained.

Additional Information

This is the 22nd fatality reported in 2023, and the second classified as “Slip or Fall of Person.”

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

MNM Fatality – 6/1/23

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On June 1, 2023, a customer truck driver died when he was struck by a component of his truck’s air bag height/ride suspension system while performing maintenance. 

Best Practices

  • Follow manufacturer’s recommended procedures when performing maintenance on suspension system components.
  • Release all stored energy from components before beginning maintenance.
  • Position yourself in a safe location while pressurizing systems.
  • Train miners in safe work procedures and hazard recognition.  Monitor personnel routinely to ensure they follow safe work procedures.

Additional Information

This is the 21st fatality reported in 2023, and the seventh classified as “Machinery.”

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

MNM Fatality – 5/22/23

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On May 22, 2023, a miner died when the haul truck he was operating overturned, when the edge of the bank at a dump point gave way.  The haul truck landed on the roof of the cab. 

Best Practices

  • Conduct workplace and ground condition examinations before work begins in an area.
  • Dump material from a safe location and push the material over the edge with a bulldozer.
  • Ensure dump locations on unconsolidated material are properly designed, constructed, and maintained.   
  • Construct substantial berms as a visual indicator to prevent overtravel.  Clearly mark dump locations with reflectors and/or markers.
  • Never load material from the toe of a stockpile that is directly below an active dump point.  This may lead to an over steepened and unstable slope.
  • Wear a seatbelt.  Install advanced systems that restrain miners during roll-overs.

Additional Information

This is the 20th fatality reported in 2023, and the fifth classified as “Powered Haulage.”

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

MNM Fatality – 2/25/23

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On February 25, 2023, a miner drowned when his excavator traveled over a berm into a sediment pond.

Best Practices

  • When working near water, install a combination seat belt cutter and window breaker tool in the operator’s cab of equipment.
  • Keep all exits clear in cabs, including alternate and emergency exits, and make sure the doors and windows open freely before beginning work.

Additional Information

This is the eighth fatality reported in 2023, and the first classified as “Drowning.”

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

MNM Fatality – 5/2/23

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On May 2, 2023, a miner died when he was struck by a mobile radial stacker conveyor.

Best Practices

  • Provide safe access to all working places by identifying hazards around belt conveyor systems.
  • Deenergize, lock out, tag out, and block equipment from hazardous motion before performing maintenance or repairs.
  • Provide remote e-stops to allow for safe access around moving equipment.
  • Train miners to work around moving equipment, including the hazards associated with the work to be performed. 

Additional Information

This is the 18th fatality reported in 2023, and the fourth classified as “Powered Haulage.”

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

MNM Fatality – 4/11/23

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 On April 11, 2023, a miner died when a 12-foot by 4-foot by 5-foot rock slab slid out of the rib from the hanging wall and crushed him. The miner was installing a bolt in the rib of a slusher stope. 

Best Practices

  • Design, install, and maintain suitable ground support where miners work or travel.
  • Examine and test ground conditions immediately before starting any work in an area and as conditions warrant during the shift.
  • Periodically review mining methods and ground support to ensure they are suitable for conditions.
  • Be alert to changing ground conditions.
  • Train miners on how to identify hazardous ground conditions and install suitable support.

Additional Information

This is the 16th fatality reported in 2023, and the second classified as “Fall of Roof or Back.”

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

MNM Fatality – 4/9/23

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On April 9, 2023, a miner died while mounting off road truck tires on rims.  The miner was in the process of mounting a tire on its rim when another tire’s outer lock ring dislodged, became airborne and struck the victim in the head.

Best Practices

  • Use a tire safety cage (or other tire restraint device) when inflating a truck tire that is not on the truck.  Stand away from the inflating tire and out of the wheel and air blast trajectory during the inflation process.
  • Check tires and rims for damage and defects before performing work.
  • Before repairing tires, completely deflate the tires by removing the valve core and checking the valve stem to make sure it’s clear. 
  • Follow the manufacturer’s procedures and make sure tire and rim components are compatible.
  • Train miners who service tire and rim components. 

Additional Information

This is the 15th fatality reported in 2023, and the fifth classified as “Machinery.”

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

MNM Fatality – 3/15/23

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On March 15, 2023, a miner drowned when the ground sloughed causing the excavator he was operating to topple into a water-filled pit.  The excavator became submerged in approximately 25 feet of water.

Best Practices

Mine operators should:
•    Install berms at the edge of the working surface so machinery can operate a safe distance from the water.
•    Evaluate ground conditions and mining methods before operating equipment near water.
•    Examine work areas and equipment and correct unsafe conditions.
•    Task train equipment operators on the operation of machinery.

Additional Information

This is the 12th fatality reported in 2023, and the fourth classified as “Machinery.”

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