On August 3, 2017, a 32-year-old miner with 6 years of mining experience was fatally crushed while he was cutting one end of a metal beam. He was dismantling a metal structure at a preparation plant when the beam fell on him.
- Securely block equipment and components against hazardous motion at all times while performing work.
- Ensure that blocking material is competent, substantial, and adequate to support the load.
- Require all persons to be positioned where they will not be exposed to hazards. Do not work in pinch points where inadvertent movement could cause injury.
- Before beginning work, analyze all tasks, establish safe work procedures, train miners, and eliminate hazards. Be alert for hazards that may be created while the work is being performed.
- Monitor all persons to ensure safe work procedures, including safe work positioning, are followed.
- When possible, do not allow miners to work alone. If a miner works alone, establish a routine of checking on them.
Click here for: MSHA Preliminary Report (pdf), Final Report (pdf)