Electric Arc Flash – Safety Alert

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In the last six months, 11 miners received injuries due to electric arc flashes.

Best Practices

  • Establish safe procedures before beginning work and discuss the plan with all miners involved in the task.
  • Electricians must know how to de-energize and disconnect electrical systems and equipment.
  • Use properly rated electrical meters and personal protective equipment, such as electrically rated gloves, insulated blankets or mats, and polycarbonate barriers.
  • Lock out and tag out circuits before working on electrical equipment.
    • Identify and control all hazardous energy sources before conducting any task.
    • Open the circuit breaker or load break switch to de-energize the incoming power cables or conductors.
    • Open the visual disconnect to confirm incoming power is off.
    • Lockout/Tagout the visual disconnect.
    • Ground the de-energized conductors.

Click here for MSHA Alert (pdf).

March Fatality Updates

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Final Reports posted:

Fatalities awaiting Fatality Alert to be posted:

  • 2/6/23 MNM – Electrical
  • 7/26/23 MNM – Powered Haulage (died 1/20/24)
  • 1/2/24 MNM – Powered Haulage

Fatalities awaiting Final Report to be posted:

MNM Fatality – 1/2/24

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On January 2, 2024, the driver of an over the road tractor-trailer haul truck died when the trailer tipped over onto the cab of the tractor. The driver was dumping part of the load of gravel from the trailer. Between 2018 and 2024, mine operators reported 14 injury accidents where over the road trucks tipped or rolled over while dumping. During the same period, miners were also injured when 28 off-road mine haul trucks tipped or rolled over. 

Best Practices

  • Dump only on level surfaces, free of spillage. Make sure elevated dump sites are substantial and equipped with adequate dump point restraints.
  •  Keep your truck and trailer in a straight line when backing up and never move faster than walking speed.
  • Avoid dumping in high or gusty wind conditions.
  • Stay in the cab with your seatbelt on during the dumping process. Never attempt to exit or jump from an overturning truck.
  • After dumping, remove any compacted material before reloading the truck.
  • Evenly distribute the load and use antifreeze in cold weather to prevent material from freezing and sticking in the truck bed.
  • Never overload trucks or trailers.

Additional Information

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

MNM Fatality – 3/1/24

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On March 1, 2024, a miner died after a metal slurry pipe struck him. The miner was removing the last bolt connecting two metal slurry pipes when the pipe broke free and swung in his direction.

Best Practices

  • Prevent miners from positioning themselves in a manner that will expose them to hazards while performing a task. 
  • Examine work areas before and during the shift for hazards. 
  • Ensure that blocking material is competent, substantial, and adequate to stabilize the load. 
  • Train miners in safe work procedures and hazard recognition. Monitor personnel routinely to ensure they follow safe work procedures.

Additional Information

This is the third fatality reported in 2024, and the first classified as “Machinery”

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

Final Rule and Plan Templates for Surface Mobile Equipment Safety

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This Final Rule became effective in January and will be enforced starting July 17, 2024. It requires all operators and many if not most contractors to:

  • develop a written Mobile Equipment Safety Program,
  • appoint at least one responsible person to evaluate and update the program at least once a year,
  • identify current and emerging technology that would be feasible to use,
  • and more.

The Final Rule is here, and templates and other resources here.

Coal Fatality – 1/29/24

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On January 29, 2024, a miner died when his haul truck traveled over the edge of a stockpile and overturned.

Best Practices

  • Examine dumping locations before work begins to identify hazardous conditions, especially after heavy rain, or other significant weather changes.
  • Always wear a seatbelt.
  • Provide adequate illumination at dumping locations.
  • Ensure dumping locations are properly designed, constructed, and maintained.
  • Dump material at a safe distance from the edge and push the material over the edge with a bulldozer.
  • Construct substantial berms as a visual indicator to prevent overtravel at dumping locations.  Clearly mark dumping locations with reflectors and/or markers.
  • Do not remove material from the toe of stockpiles when it would create instability at dumping locations.

Additional Information

This is the second fatality reported in 2024, and the second classified as “Powered Haulage”.

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

February Fatality Updates

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Final Reports posted:

Fatalities awaiting Fatality Alert to be posted:

  • 2/6/23 MNM – Electrical
  • 1/2/24 MNM – Powered Haulage
  • 1/29/24 Coal – Powered Haulage

Fatalities awaiting Final Report to be posted:

January Fatality Updates

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Final Reports posted:

Fatalities awaiting Fatality Alert to be posted:

  • 2/6/23 MNM – Electrical
  • 1/2/24 MNM – Powered Haulage
  • 1/29/24 Coal – Powered Haulage

Fatalities awaiting Final Report to be posted:

MNM Fatality – 12/14/23 UT

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On December 14, 2023, a contractor died while delivering parts to the mine when an all-terrain telehandler pulling cable, tipped over, striking him.

Best Practices

  • Do not exceed the load radius and load limits of lifting equipment.
  • Ensure miners position themselves in a safe manner while working around equipment.
  • Barricade and sign affected areas in case equipment or loads fail or tip.
  • Ensure visitors entering the mine receive site specific hazard awareness training.
  • Maintain good communication between co-workers.

Additional Information

This is the 40th fatality reported in 2023, and the 16th classified as “Machinery.”

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

MNM Fatality – 12/14/23 OK

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MINE FATALITY – On December 14, 2023, a miner died while preparing to repair flanges on the feed box. In the process of lowering the chute into the maintenance position, the chute pinned the miner between the chute and the handrail.

Best Practices

  • Block machinery components against motion before beginning maintenance or repairs and verify miners are in a safe location before moving equipment and components.
  • Examine work areas during the shift for hazards that could be created while performing the work.
  • When conducting a non-routine task, review safe procedures before starting work and ensure all safety components are in place.
  • Do not work under suspended loads.

Additional Information

This is the 39th fatality reported in 2023, and the 15th classified as “Machinery.”

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