On Wednesday, October 17, 2018, a 33-year-old auger helper with 3 days of total surface mining experience received fatal injuries during auger mining activities. The victim was attempting to move a section of auger steel by using the onboard crane when he was struck in the chest.
Best Practices:
- Maintain equipment in safe operating condition. Excessive pressure in a hydraulic circuit can drastically alter the control of booms, etc., creating serious hazards.
- Establish policies and procedures for auger mining including, safe work procedures for removing auger steel from the auger tray.
- Task train miners to recognize all potential hazards and understand safe job procedures before beginning work.
- Monitor personnel routinely to ensure safe work procedures are being followed. Unauthorized persons should be kept clear of the work area.
- Do not place yourself in a position that exposes you to hazards. Stand clear of suspended loads having the potential of becoming off-balanced while being moved.
Click here for: MSHA Preliminary Report (pdf), Final Report (pdf).