On Saturday, May 6, 2017, a 62-year-old miner with 14 years of mining experience was fatally injured when the haul truck he was operating went over the highwall and fell approximately 150 feet. The victim was dumping overburden over the highwall when the accident occurred.
- DUMP SHORT and PUSH OVER when dumping loads over highwalls. See MSHA’s Dump Point Inspection Handbook
- Maintain adequate ground conditions, including berms, at dump locations.
- Examine dump locations prior to beginning work and as mine conditions change. Clearly mark dump locations with reflectors and/or markers.
- Train miners to use safe dumping procedures and recognize dumping hazards.
- Monitor dumping activities to assure safe work practices are followed.
Click here for: MSHA Preliminary Report (pdf), Final Report (pdf).